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THE

OXFORD DICTIONARY OF

CURRENT ENGLISH 10.000 new entries 75,000 definitions

THE OXFORD DICTIONARY OF CURRENT ENGLISH

— — The

Oxford Dictionary of Current English

SECOND EDITION Edited by

DELLA THOMPSON

OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 1993

Oxford University

Walton

Press,

Oxford 0x2 6dp

Street,

New

York Toronto Delhi Bombay Calcutta Madras Karachi Kuala Lumpur Singapore Hong Kong Tokyo

Oxford

Nairobi

Dar

es

Salaam Cape Town

Melbourne Auckland Madrid

and associated companies

in

Berlin Ibadan

Oxford

is

a trade

mark

of

Oxford University Press

Published in the United States by

Oxford University Press

© First published

Inc.,

New

York

Oxford University Press 1992

1992 as eighth edition o/The Pocket Oxford Dictionary an Oxford University Press paperback 1993

First issued as

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of Oxford University Press.

Within the UK, exceptions are allowed in respect of any fair dealing for the purpose of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, or in the case of reprographic reproduction in accordance with the terms of the licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside these terms and in other countries should be sent to the Rights Department, Oxford University Press, at the address above This book

is

sold subject to the condition that

it

shall not, by

way

of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the publisher s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and zvithout a similar condition

including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser British Library Cataloguing in Publication

Data

Library of Congress Cataloging

The Oxford dictionary of current English

—

Data

available

/

in Publication

Data

edited by Delia Thompson.

cm. 20th century p.

—

— 2nd ed.

1. English language Dictionaries. 2. English language New words— Dictionaries. I. Thompson, Delia F.

—

PE1628.0867

1993 423'.l-dc20 92-27280

CIP

ISBN 0-19-283127-5 3

5

7

9

10 8 6 4

Printed in Denmark by Norhaven Rotation

Contents Guide

to the

Use of the Dictionary

Abbreviations used in the Dictionary

Pronunciation Symbols used in the Dictionary

DICTIONARY Appendix: Punctuation Marks

vii xii

xiv 1

1072

Editorial Staff Managing Editor General Editors

Dr Delia Thompson Mr Andrew Hodgson

Mr Chris Science Editor Freelance Editors

Ms Critical

Readers

Dr

Louise Jones Grafe

I.

Mr M. W. Keyboarding Manager Keyboarding Assistants

Proofreaders and General Contributors

Stewart

Dr Alexandra Clayton Mrs Barbara Burge Mrs Anna Howes

Grose

Mrs Anne Whear Mrs Pam Marjara Mrs Kay Pepler Miss Doreen Stanbury Mrs Deirdre Arnold Mr Keith Harrison Mr Richard Lindsay Ms Elizabeth Mcllvanney Dr Bernadette Paton Ms Lucy Reford Dr Anne St John-Hall

Ms Joanna Thompson Mr F. Roland Whear

This edition owes much in its content and style to the eighth edition of the Concise Oxford Dictionary edited by Dr Robert Allen, who also revised the etymologies for this dictionary.

Guide 1.

to the

Use of the Dictionary

Headword

1.1

the

The headword is printed in bold type, or in bold italic type if word is not naturalized in English and is usually found in

italics in

printed matter.

Variant spellings are given before the definition (e.g. cabby n. such cases the form given as the headword is the preferred form. When the variant form is alphabetically remote from the main form it is given at its proper place in the dictionary (e.g. caiman var. of cayman). 1.2

(also cabbie)); in all

1.3 Words that are different but spelt the same way (homographs) are distinguished by superior figures (e.g. bat and bat 2 ). 1

Words

that are normally spelt with a capital initial are given form as the headword; when they are in some senses spelt with a small initial and in others with a capital initial this is indicated by repetition of the full word in the appropriate form 1.4

in this

within the entry (as at carboniferous). 1.5

Variant American spellings are indicated by the designation

US (e.g. favour. 2.

.

.

US favor).

Pronunciation

Guidance on pronunciation follows the system of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IP A). Only the pronunciation standard in southern England is given. A key to the symbols used appears on page xiv. 3.

Part-of-speech label given for

main

entries

and derivatives.

3.1

This

3.2

Different parts of speech of a single

is

all

word are listed separately.

Verbs, whether transitive, intransitive, or both, are given the simple designation v. The designation absol. (absolute) denotes use with an implied object (as at abdicate).

3.3

4.

4.1

Inflexion Plurals of Nouns:

Nouns

that

form their plural regularly by adding

-s

(or -es

when

GUIDE TO THE USE OF THE DICTIONARY

viii

they end in -s, -x, -z, -sh, or soft -ch), receive no comment. Plural forms of those ending in -o (preceded by any letter other than another o) are always given. Other irregular forms are also given, except when the word is a compound of obvious formation (e.g. footman, schoolchild).

Forms of Verbs:

4.2 4.2.1 (i)

The following regular forms receive no comment:

third person singular present forms adding -es to

(ii)

stems ending in

-s, -x, -z,

-sh,

or soft

-s

to the

stem (or

-ch).

past tenses and past participles adding -ed to the stem.

4.2.2

A

doubled consonant in verbal inflexions

(e.g.

rubbed,

shown in the form (-bb-, -nn-, etc.). Where practice differs in American usage this is noted (as at cavil). rubbing, sinned, sinning)

is

4.3 Comparative and Superlative of Adjectives and Adverbs: The following regular forms receive no comment: 4.3.1

Words

of one syllable adding -er

and

-est

(e.g.

greater,

greatest). 4.3.2

Words of one syllable ending in silent -er and -est (e.g. braver, bravest).

e,

which drop the

e

and add

5.

Definition

Definitions are listed in order of comparative familiarity and importance, with the most current and important senses first.

5.1

5.2

They are separated by a number, or by a more closely related.

letter

when the two

senses are

Round brackets enclose letters or words that are optional (as v. where '(cause to) make a loud smashing noise' can mean either 'make a loud smashing noise' or 'cause to make a loud

5.3

at

crash

smashing noise'), and indicate typical objects of transitive verbs (such as 'milk' and 'the skin' in two senses of cream v.).

6. 6.1

Subject and Usage labels

These are used to clarify the particular context in which a is normally used.

word or phrase

Words and phrases more common in informal spoken English than in formal written English are labelled colloq. (colloquial) or slang as appropriate. 6.2

GUIDE TO THE USE OF THE DICTIONARY

ix

Some

subject labels are used to indicate the particular relevance of a term or subject with which it is associated (e.g. Mus.,

6.3

Law, Physics). They are not used when from the definition itself.

this is sufficiently clear

Two categories of deprecated usage are indicated by special markings: coarse slang indicates a word that, although widely found, is still unacceptable to many people; offens. (offensive) indicates a use that is regarded as offensive by members of a particular ethnic, religious, or other group. 6.4

Usage notes found at the end of entries give guidance on the current norms of standard English. Some of the rules given may legitimately be broken in less formal English, and especially in conversation. 6.5

7.

Phrases

Phrases are listed in alphabetical order after the treatment of the main word. The words a, the, one, and person do not count for purposes of alphabetical order.

8.

Compounds Compound terms forming one word

(e.g. bathroom, main entries, as are those consisting of two or more words (e.g. chain reaction) or joined by a hyphen

8.1

jellyfish) are listed as

(e.g.

chain-gang).

8.2

When a hyphened compound in bold type is divided at the end

of a line the

show

that

hyphen is repeated at the beginning of the next line to a permanent feature of the spelling and not just an

it is

end-of-line hyphen.

9.

Derivatives

Words formed by adding a suffix to another word are in many cases listed at the end of the entry for the main word (e.g. chalkiness and chalky at chalk). In this position they are not defined since they can be understood from the sense of the main word and that given at the suffix concerned; when further

9.1

definition is called for they are given

main

entries in their

own

right (e.g. changeable).

For reasons of space words formed by certain suffixes are not always included except when some special feature of spelling or

9.2

GUIDE TO THE USE OF THE DICTIONARY

X

pronunciation or meaning is involved. These suffixes are -able, -er (in the sense .that does'), -er 2 and -est (see also 4.3), -ish, 1

'.

-LESS, -LIKE, -LY 2

10.

,

.

and

-NESS.

Etymology

given in square brackets [ ] at the end of the entry. In it can only give the direct line of derivation in outline. Forms in other languages are not given if they are exactly or nearly the same as the English form. 10.1

This

is

the space available

10.2

'Old English'

used before ad 10.3

is

used for words that are known to have been

1150.

'Anglo-French' denotes the variety of French current in after the Norman Conquest.

England in the Middle Ages

10.4 'Latin' denotes classical and Late Latin up to about ad 600; 'medieval Latin' that of the period about 600-1500; 'Anglo-Latin' denotes Latin as used in medieval England. 10.5

Where

the origin of a

word cannot be reliably ascertained, unknown' is used.

the form 'origin uncertain' or 'origin

10.6 Names of the rarer languages that have contributed to English (such as Balti at polo, and Cree at wapiti) are given in full without explanation; they may be found explained in larger dictionaries or in encyclopedias. 10.7 An etymology is not given when it is identical in essentials with that of a neighbouring entry, when the word is an abbreviation or compound of obvious formation (such as bathroom), or

when the derivation is clear from the definition (as at burgundy). 11. Prefixes 11.1

and

Suffixes

A large selection of these is given in the main body of the text;

form ex-, re-, etc., and suffixes in the form These entries should be consulted to explain the many derivatives given at the end of entries (see 9.1).

prefixes are given in the -ion, -ness, etc.

11.2

Prefixes

and suffixes are not normally given a pronunciation when they form part of a word.

since this can change considerably

12. 12.1 (e.g.

Cross-Reference Cross-reference to main entries is indicated by small capitals calk US var. of caulk; put a person wise see wise).

NOTE ON PROPRIETARY STATUS

xi

Cross-reference in italics to a defined phrase or compound refers to the entry for the first word unless another is specified. 12.2

12.3

A homograph

calves pL of calf

1 ,

(see 1.3) is indicated

by a superior figure

(e.g.

calf2 ).

Note on Proprietary Status This dictionary includes some words which are, or are asserted to be, proprietary names or trade marks. Their inclusion does not imply that they have acquired for legal purposes a non-proprietary or general significance, nor is any other judgement implied concerning their legal status. In cases where the editor has some evidence that a word is used as a proprietary name or trade mark this is indicated by the designation propr., but no judgement concerning the legal status of such words is made or implied thereby.

Abbreviations used in the Dictionary Abbreviations in general use (such as Dictionary itself.

etc., i.e.)

are explained in the

abbr.

abbreviation

JliCCl.

Ecclesiastical

absol.

dUijUlUlc^iy )

Econ.

ILL-UilUIIllLb

adj.

dUJcCllVt;

ILltJULl

Electricity

adv.

adverb

ollirvf eiiipi.

elliptical(ly)

rA.Cl Ull.

rYc!

Anat.

Anatomy

r\IlglU-lIlU.

.rYllglU-lllUldil

Antiq.

Antiquity

UlldUUUo

prri Y\\~\ o IqL. Cl Yiyi

cilipildLlL

esp.

especially

euphemism JCjXOQ.

Exodus

r\L L-lldtJUlUgy

c

tern.

leminine

1U11.

followed

Gen.

vjrcllcblb

r\L L111L.

r\L LlllLcL/LUI

assim.

assimilated

Astrol

rAoLl

UlUgy

r\i>ll Ull.

r\aLi

Uiiumy

Astronaut.

Astronautics

vjcUI.

Geology

attrib.

attributive(ly)

Geom.

dlH 1U. dUJ

dill lUUllVt;

V_ri\

Geometry Greek

du.J ct Live

Gram.

V_Ti

An cf t'qI /AUoll dl.

An otTol ion r\Ubli dlldll

3.U.X.

anviliarv dtiAiiidi y

dlllllldl

nibi.

nibiui y

nisi.

with historical

Rihl D1U1.

Rihliral OlUllUdl

DlUdlclll.

olUCiltrllllbll y

Biol.

DiuiUgy

l

nor UllUtJl

impel dti vc

J3UL.

Duidiiy

111U.

Ul Lllc

^llclll.

C/nemistry

1

m

clcl cllUc

subcontinent comprising India Pakistan, and Bangladesh

Cinematog.

Cinematography

collsct.

collective(ly)

CU11ULJ.

Luiiuquidiviy )

innn.

lllillllllvc

comb.

combination;

int.

inter] ection

combining comparative

interrog.

interrogative

L/UlllUd.1

compl.

complement

conj.

conjunction contraction

contr.

demons,

adj.

demons, pron.

llllciiUg. dUJ

llllcl

1

UgdLlvc

adjective interrog. adv.

interrogative

interrog. pron.

interrogative

adverb

pronoun

demonstrative adjective

Ir.

Irish

demonstrative

iron.

ironical

pronoun derog.

derogatory

joc.

jocular

dial.

dialect

Judg.

Judges

,

.

ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE DICTIONARY

xiii

Lev.

Leviticus

pi cUlL.

masc.

masculine

pi cp.

Math iVldlll.

IVldlllcIIldllCb

pres

Matt lVldll.

Matthew

pi C3. pdl

Mech

IVlcLIldlllUb

pron.

pronoun

lviea.

Medicine Meteorology

pronunc. propr.

pronunciation proprietary term

Mil.

Military

Psychol.

Psychology

Mineral. iviy moi.

Mineralogy Music Mythology

n.

noun

ren.

reflexive

Naut.

Nautical

rel. adj.

relative adjective

neg.

negative

N.Engl.

INUi lllci

dtlj

predicative dUJcL-Llvc

Meteorol.

Mus.

pi CpUolllUil

pi COCllL L.

cn.

Hillgllol

Roman

Catholic

Church reference

ret.

11

present participle

rel.

adv.

relative

adverb

rel.

pron.

relative

pronoun

I1UUI1 piUIdl

Relig.

Religion

NZ

Mow

Rev.

Revelation

rhet.

rhetorical

obj.

objective (case)

Rom.

Roman

Ullclla.

Ullcllblvc

nnn upp.

p c nnnncprl da uppuocll tn LU

S.Afr.

South African

ong.

originally

Sc.

Scottish

Pari rdi I.

r

^palanH

dl lldlllcIlL^dl y /

Sci.

Science

sing.

singular

part.

pdl LICipic

Stock Exch.

Stock Exchange

past part.

past participle

superl.

superlative

ortn PV» i Ildl III.

rlldl IIldLy

symb.

symbol

L Ildl IIldLUlUgy

r IlllUb.

Philosophy

Theatr.

1 IlUIlcI.

r IlUIlcllLb

Theol.

Theatre Theology

Photog.

US

American, in

Phv

I

Sit

ai

my

UQ

poor

i:

see

au

how

319

fire

d

hot

ei

daj>

aue

sour

0:

saw the indeterminate sound as in garden, carnal, and

(a) signifies

rhythm. (r) at the end of a word indicates an r that is sounded when a word beginning with a vowel follows, as in clutter up and an acre of land.

The mark

~

indicates a nasalized sound, as in the following sounds

that are not natural in English: ae (trnibre)

d (elan) 5 (bon voyage)

The main or primary stress of a word is shown by preceding the relevant syllable; any secondary stress in words or phrases of three or more syllables is shown by preceding the relevant 1

,

syllable.

A A

1

/ei/ n. (pi.

As

or A's)

1

(also a) first

abate

/a'beit/

v.

(-ting)

make or become abatement

letter of the alphabet. 2

Mus. sixth note

less strong etc.; diminish, z

of the diatonic scale of

C major.

n.

3 first hypothetical person or example. 4 highest category (of roads, marks, etc.). 5 (usu. a) Algebra first known quantity. Al lei 'war/ colloq. first-rate, excellent, from to B from one place to another, from to Z from beginning to end. 2 abbr. (also A.) 1 ampere(s). 2 answer. a /a, ei/ adj. (also an /sen, an/ before a vowel sound) (called the indefinite article) 1 one, some, any. 2 one like (a Judas). 3 one single (not a chance). 4 the same (all of a size). 5 per (twice a year, seven a side). [Old English an one] a 2 /a/ prep. (usu. as prefix) 1 to, towards (ashore; aside). 2 (with verb in pres. or being part, or infin.) doing (a-hunting; abuzz). 3 on (afire). 4 in (nowadays). [Old English an, on, on] abbr. angstrom(s). a- prefix (also an- before a vowel sound)

A A

A

1

A

without (amoral). [Greek] abbr. 1 Automobile Association. 2 Alcoholics Anonymous. 3 anti-aircraft. aardvark /'a:dva:k/ n. mammal with a tubular snout and a long tongue, feeding on termites. [Afrikaans] ab- prefix off, away, from (abduct). not,

AA

take aback sur/a'baek/ adv. prise, disconcert. [Old English: related

a 2]

abacus

/'aebakas/ n. (pi. -cuses)

1

frame

with wires along which beads are

slid

for calculating. lArchit. flat slab on top of a capital. [Latin from Greek from

Hebrew] abaft /a'ba:ft/ Naut. -adv.

in the stern half of a ship. -prep, nearer the stern 2 than, [from a -baft: see aft] abandon /a'baend(a)n/ -v. 1 give up. 2 forsake, desert. 3 (often foil by to; often refl.) yield to a passion, another's con,

trol, etc.

-n. freedom from inhibitions. n. [French: related to

abandonment ad-,

slaughteras abate] /'aebasi/ n. (pi. -ies) office or jurisdiction of an abbot or abbess. [Latin: related to abbot] abbe /'aebei/ n. (in France) abbot or priest. [French from Latin: related to /'aeba,twa:(r)/

house. [French abatre

n.

fell,

abbacy

abbot]

abbess

/'aebis/ n.

head of a community

of nuns.

abbey

/'aebi/

n.

(pi.

-s)

1

building(s)

occupied by a community of monks or nuns. 2 the community itself. 3 building that was once an abbey.

abbot /'aebat/

n. head of a community of monks. [Old English from Latin abbas]

abbreviate

/a'bri:vi,eit/

v.

(-ting)

shorten, esp. represent (a word etc.) by a part of it. z abbreviation /-'eij(a)n/ n. [Latin: related to brief] /,eibi:'si:/ n. 1 the alphabet. 2 rudiments of a subject. 3 alphabetical guide.

ABC

abdicate

/'aebdi.keit/

absol.) give

v.

(-ting)

1

(usu.

up or renounce (the throne).

renounce (a duty, dication /-'keij(a)n/ 2

right, etc.). n.

z ab-

[Latin dico de-

abandoned adj.

1

deserted, forsaken. 2

/'aebdaman/ n. 1 the belly, including the stomach, bowels, etc. 2 the hinder part of an insect etc. z abdominal /aeb'dDmm(a)l/ adj. [Latin] abduct /ab'dAkt/ v. carry off or kidnap illegally, z abduction n. abductor n. [Latin duco lead] /a'bi:m/ adv. at right angles to a ship's or an aircraft's length. Aberdeen Angus /,aebadi:n aengas/ n. animal of a Scottish breed of hornless black cattle. [Aberdeen in Scotland] Aberdonian /.aeba'daunian/ -adj. of Aberdeen, -n. native or citizen of Aberdeen, [medieval Latin]

abeam

aberrant

/a'beis/

v.

(-sing) (also

hu-

refl.)

abasement degrade. 2 [French: related to ad-, base ]

miliate,

/a'baejt/ predic.

is

/a'berant/ adj. deviating from [Latin:

normal or accepted.

related to err]

aberration

unrestrained, profligate.

abashed

abdomen

what

ban]

abase

beat]

abattoir

clare]

[Latin]

aback to

[French abatre from Latin batt(u)o

adj.

rassed, disconcerted. [French bair astound]

n.

embares-

ex-

1 ,

/,aeba'reij(a)n/ n. 1 aberrant behaviour; moral or mental lapse. 2 Biol, deviation from a normal type. 3 distortion of an image because of a defect in a lens or mirror. 4 Astron. apparent displacement of a celestial body.

abet (-tt-)

abhor

regard with disgust. [Latin: related to horror] /ab'ho:(r)/

abhorrence

v.

(-rr-) detest;

/ab'hDrans/

n.

disgust;

/ab'tmrant/ adj. (often foil, by to) disgusting or hateful. abide /a'baid/ v. (-ding; past abided or rarely abode /a'baud/) 1 (usu. in neg.) tolerate, endure (can't abide him). 2 (foil, by by) a act in accordance with (abide by the rules), b keep (a promise). 3 archaic remain, continue. [Old English a- intensive prefix, bide]

abiding

adj. enduring, permanent. ability /a'biliti/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 (often foil, by to + infin.) capacity or power. 2

cleverness, talent. [French: related to able] -ability suffix forming nouns of quality from, or corresponding to, adjectives in able. ab initio /.asb I'nijiau/ adv. from the beginning. [Latin] miserable, abject /'aebd3ekt/ adj. wretched; degraded; despicable. abjection /aeb'd3ek.f(9)n/ n. [Latin jacio

throw]

abjure

/ab'd3ua(r)/ v. (-ring) renounce on oath (an opinion, cause, etc.). abjuration /,aebd3u'reij\a)n/ n. [Latin

juro swear] /'aeblativ/ Gram. -n. case (in Latin) of nouns and pronouns indicating an agent, instrument, or location. -adj. of or in the ablative. [Latin

ablative

/a'bleiz/ predic. adj.

2 glittering, excited.

fire.

&

glowing.

adv. 1 on 3 greatly

/'aebni.geit/

v.

(-ting) give

or renounce (a pleasure or right [Latin nego deny]

abnegation

up

etc.).

/eib(a)l/ adj. (abler, ablest) 1 (often foil, by to + infin.; used esp. in is able, will be able, etc., replacing tenses of can) having the capacity or power (not able to come). 2 talented, clever, z ably adv. [Latin habilis] -able suffix forming adjectives meaning: 1 that may or must be (eatable; payable). 2 that can be made the subject of (dutiable; objectionable). 3 relevant to or in accordance with (fashionable; seasonable). [Latin -abilis] adj.

abnormal

/,aebni'geiJXa)n/ n. denial;

/aeb'n3:m(a)l/ adj. deviating

from the norm; exceptional. abnormality /-'maeliti/ n. (pi. -ies). abnormally adv. [French: related to anomalous]

Abo

/'aBbau/ (also abo) Austral slang usu. offens. -n. (pi. -s) Aboriginal, -adj. Aboriginal, [abbreviation] aboard /a'bo:d/ adv. & prep, on or into (a 2

ship, aircraft, etc.). [from a ] 1 /a'baud/ n. dwelling-place. [related to abide]

abode

abode 2

see abide.

abolish

/a'DDliJV

custom or

v.

put an end to (esp. a [Latin aboleo

institution).

destroy]

abolition

/,a?ba'lij(a)n/ n. abolishing or being abolished, z abolitionist n. A-bomb /'eibDm/ n. = atomic bomb. [A for atomic] abominable /a'bDmmab(a)l/ adj. 1 detestable, loathsome. 2 colloq. very unpleasant (abominable weather).

abominably

adv.

abominor

[Latin

deprecate]

Abominable Snowman

supposed manlike or bearlike Himalayan animal; n.

yeti.

abominate

/a'bnmi.neit/

v.

(-ting) de-

z abomination /-'neij(a)n/ [Latin: related to abominable]

test, loathe, n.

/ a3ba'nd3in(9)l/ -adj. 1 indigenous, inhabiting a land from the earliest times, esp. before the arrival of 1

Aboriginal) of 2 (usu. -rc. 1 aboriginal Aboriginal) (usu. 2 inhabitant. aboriginal inhabitant of Australia. [Latin: related to origin] aborigine /,aeba'nd3ini/ n. (usu. in pi.) 1 aboriginal inhabitant. 2 (usu. Aborigine) aboriginal inhabitant of Auscolonists.

able

fit,

healthy.

seaman

n.

ordinary

trained seaman.

ablution

ABM abbr. anti-ballistic missile.

aboriginal

ablatus taken away]

able-bodied able-bodied

-ably suffix forming adverbs corresponding to adjectives in -able.

renunciation of a doctrine.

detestation.

abhorrent

ablaze

bodily washing, b place for this. [Latin ablutio from luo lut- wash]

abnegate

to ad-, beer gape]

ject-

abort

2

(usu. in aid and abet) encourage or assist (an offender or offence). [French: related to ad-, bait] abeyance /a'beians/ n. (usu. prec. by in, into) temporary disuse. [French: related

abet /a'bet/ v.

/a'blu:J(a)n/ n. (usu. in pi.)

1

ceremonial washing of the hands, sacred vessels, etc. 2 colloq. a ordinary

Australian Aborigines,

tralia.

Usage When referring to the people, Aboriginal

is

preferred for the singular

form and Aborigines for the

plural,

although Aboriginals is also acceptable.

abort

/a'bo:t/ v. 1 miscarry. 2 a effect abortion of (a foetus), b effect abortion 3 end or cause (a project mother). in (a etc.) to end before completion. [Latin orior be born]

abortion abortion

1

natural or

induced expulsion of a foetus from the womb before it is able to survive independently. 2 stunted or deformed creature or thing. 3 failed project or (esp.)

abortionist

action,

abortive

/a'boitiv/

n.

adj.

fruitless,

unsuccessful. abound /a'baund/ v. 1 be plentiful. 2 (foil, by in, with) be rich; teem. [Latin

unda wave]

about

/a'baut/ -prep. 1 a on the subject of (a book about birds), b relating to it), c in relation to (symmetry about a plane). 2 at a time near to (about six). 3 a in, round (walked about the town; a scarf about her neck), b all round from a centre (look about you). 4 at points in (strewn about the house). 5 carried with (no money about me). 6 occupied with (about her business), -adv. 1 a approximately (about ten

(glad about

miles), b colloq. in an understatement about had enough). 2 nearby (a lot offlu about). 3 in every direction (look (just

about). 4 on the move; in action (out and about). 5 in rotation or succession (turn and turn about). be about (or all about) colloq. have as its essential nature (life is all about having fun), be about to be on the point of (was about to laugh). [Old English]

about-face n. & int. = about-turn, ABOUT TURN. about-turn -n. 1 turn made so as to face the opposite direction. 2 change of opinion or policy etc. -int. (about turn) Mil. command to make an about-turn. above /a'bAv/ -prep. 1 over; on the top of; higher than; over the surface of (head above water, above the din). 2 more than (above twenty people). 3 higher in rank, importance, etc., than. 4 a too great or good for (not above cheating), b beyond the reach of (above my understanding', above suspicion),

-adv.

1

absinth

3

/a'bo:J(a)n/ n.

at or to a higher point;

overhead

(thefloor above; the sky above). 2 earlier on a page or in a book (as noted above), -adj. preceding (the above argument), -n. (prec. by the) preceding text (the above all most of all, above shows),

more than anything else, above oneself [Old English: arrogant. conceited, 2 related to a ] without conadv. & adj. above-board cealment; open or openly.

abracadabra

/.aebraka'daebra/

-int.

supposedly magic word used in conjuring, -n. spell or charm. [Latin from Greek] abrade /a'breid/ v. (-ding) scrape or wear away (skin, rock, etc.) by rubbing. [Latin rado scrape] v

abrasion /a'brei3(a)n/ n. wearing away (of skin, resulting damaged area. abrasive /a'breisiv/ -adj.

scraping or

1

rock,

etc.).

2

a tending to rub or graze, b capable of polishing by rubbing or grinding. 2 harsh or hurtful in manner, —n. abrasive substance. abreast /a'brest/ adv. 1 side by side and facing the same way. 2 (foil, by of) up to date with. abridge /a'bnd3/ v. (-ging) shorten (a book, film, etc.). abridgement n. [Latin: related to abbreviate] abroad /a'bro:d/ adv. 1 in or to a foreign country or countries. 2 widely (scatter abroad). 3 in circulation (rumour 1

abroad).

abrogate

/'aebra.geit/

v.

(-ting) repeal,

abolish (a law etc.). p abrogation /-'geij(a)n/ n. [Latin rogo propose a law] abrupt /a'brApt/ adj. 1 sudden, hasty (abrupt end). 2 (of manner etc.) curt. 3 steep, precipitous. abruptly adv. abruptness n. [Latin: related to

RUPTURE]

abscess

/'aebsis/

(pi

n.

abscesses)

swelling containing pus. [Latin: related to AB-, cede]

abscissa

abscissae /-si:/ system of coordinates) shortest distance from a point to the

or

-s)

/ab'sisa/ n. (pi.

Math,

(in a

vertical or v-axis. [Latin abscindo cut off]

abscond and

/ab'skDnd/

furtively,

v.

esp.

depart hurriedly avoid arrest;

to

escape. [Latin abscondo secrete] abseil /'aebseil/ - v. descend by using a doubled rope coiled round the body and fixed at a higher point. -n. descent made by abseiling. [German ab down, Seil rope]

absence

/'aebs(a)ns/ n.

2 time of this. 3

1

by

(foil,

being away. of)

lack

of.

absence of mind inattentiveness. [Latin absentia] -adj. /'aebs(a)nt/ 1 not present. 2 not existing; lacking. 3 inattentive.

absent -v.refl.

or stay, away. sense 3 of adj.). person not /.aebsan'ti:/ n.

/aeb'sent/

absently adv.

absentee

go,

(in

present.

absenteeism

/,aebsan'ti:iz(8)m/

n.

absenting oneself from work or school etc., esp. frequently or illicitly.

absentee landlord

n.

one who

lets a

property while living elsewhere.

absent-minded

adj.

forgetful or in-

absent-mindedly adv. attentive, absent-mindedness n. absinth /'aebsinG/ n. 1 wormwood. 2 aniseed-flavoured absinthe) liqueur based on this. [French from (usu.

Latin]

absolute /'aebsa.luit/ -adj. 1 complete, utter (absolute bliss). 2 unconditional (absolute authority). 3 despotic (absolute monarch). 4 not relative or comparative (absolute standard). 5 Gram, a (of a construction) syntactically independent of the rest of the sentence, as in dinner being over, we left the table, b (of an adjective or transitive verb) without an expressed noun or object (e.g. the deaf, guns kill). 6 (of a legal decree etc.) final, -n. Philos. (prec. by the) that which can exist independently of anything else. [Latin: related to absolve] absolutely adv. 1 completely, utterly. 2 in an absolute sense (God exists absolutely). 3 /-'lu:tli/ colloq. (used in reply) quite so; yes.

absolute majority all rivals

n.

majority over

combined.

absolute pitch

n. ability

to recognize

or sound any given note,

absolute temperature n. one measured from absolute zero, absolute zero n. theoretical lowest temperature

possible

calculated

-273.15° C (or 0° K). absolution /,aebs9'lu:JXa)n/

n.

as

formal

forgiveness of sins.

absolutism

/'aebsalu:,tiz(8)m/ n. principle or practice of absolute govern-

ment.

absolutist

absolve

/ab'zDlv/

n.

(-ving) (often

v.

foil,

by from, of) set or pronounce free from blame or obligation etc. [Latin: related to solve]

absorb

/ab'so:b/ v. 1 incorporate as part of itself or oneself. 2 take in, suck up

(liquid, heat,

knowledge,

etc.).

3 reduce

the effect or intensity of; deal easily with (an impact, sound, difficulty, etc.). 4 consume (resources etc.). 5 (often as absorbing adj.) engross the attention of. [Latin sorbeo suck in] absorbent -adj. tending to absorb, -n. absorbent substance or organ. absorption /ab'sa:pJXa)n/ n. 1 absorbing or being absorbed. 2 mental engross-

ment.

absorptive

abstain /ab'stem/ v.

1

adj.

(usu.

foil,

by from)

refrain from indulging (abstained from smoking). 2 decline to vote. [Latin teneo tent- hold]

abstemious /ab'sti:mias/ad/. moderate or ascetic, esp. in eating and drinking.

abstemiously

adv. [Latin: related to ab-, temetum strong drink] abstention /ab'stenf(a)n/' n. abstaining, esp. from voting. [Latin: related to

abstain]

abstinence

a/c

4

absolute

/'aebstinans/ n. abstaining, abstinent esp. from food or alcohol. adj. [French: related to abstain]

abstract -adj.

/'aebstraekt/ 1 a of or existing in thought or theory rather than matter or practice; not concrete, b

(of a word, esp. a noun) denoting a quality, condition, etc., not a concrete object. 2 (of art) achieving its effect by form and colour rather than by realism. -v. /ab'straekt/ 1 (often foil, by from) extract, remove. 2 summarize, -n. /'aebstraekt/ 1 summary. 2 abstract work of art. 3 abstraction or abstract term. [Latin: related to tract ] 1

abstracted tentive,

/ab'straektid/

adj.

inat-

abstractedly

distracted.

adv.

abstraction

/ab'straekf(a)n/

n.

1

abstracting or taking away. 2 abstract or visionary idea. 3 abstract qualities (esp. in art). 4 absent-mindedness. abstruse /ab'stru:s/ adj. hard to understand, profound. abstruseness n. [Latin abstrudo -trus- conceal] absurd /ab's3:d/ adj. wildly illogical or inappropriate; ridiculous. absurdity n.

(pi.

absurdly

-ies).

adv.

[Latin:

related to surd]

ABTA

/'aebta/ abbr. Association of British Travel Agents. /a'bAnd(a)ns/ n. 1 plenty; more than enough; a lot. 2 wealth. [Latin: related to abound] abundant adj. 1 plentiful. 2 (foil, by in) abundrich (abundant in fruit). antly adv. abuse —v. /a'bju:z/ (-sing) 1 use improperly, misuse. 2 insult verbally. 3 maltreat. -n. /a'bju:s/ 1 misuse. 2 insulting language. 3 unjust or corrupt practice. 4 maltreatment (child abuse). abuser /a'bju:za(r)/ n. [Latin: related to use] abusive /a'bju:siv/ adj. insulting, ofabusively adv. fensive. abut /a'bAt/ v. (-tt-) 1 (foil, by on) (of land) border on. 2 (foil, by on, against) (of a building) touch or lean upon (another). [Anglo-Latin butta strip of 1 land: related to butt ]

abundance

abutment

n.

lateral supporting struc-

ture of a bridge, arch, etc. /a'bAz/ adv. & adj. in a state of excitement or activity.

abuzz

abysmal

/a'bizm(a)l/

adj.

1

colloq.

extremely bad (abysmal food). 2 profound, utter (abysmal ignorance).

abysmally

adv.

[Latin: related to

ABYSS]

abyss

/a'bis/ n. 1

deep chasm. 2 immeas-

urable depth (abyss of despair). [Latin

from Greek, = bottomless]

AC abbr.

1

(also ac) alternating current.

2 aircraftman.

Ac symb.

actinium.

a/c abbr. account, [account current]

-ac

Greek

[Latin -acus,

-akos] acacia /a'keija/ n. tree with yellow or white flowers, esp. one yielding gum arabic. [Latin from Greek] academia /,aeka'di:mia/ n. the academic

world; scholastic

life.

academic

/.aeka'demik/ -adj. 1 scholarly, of learning. 2 of no practical relevance; theoretical, -n. teacher or scholar in a university etc. academically adv. academician /a.kaeda'miJXa^/ n. member of an Academy. [French academicien).

academy /a'kaedami/ n.

(pi. -ies) 1 place of specialized training (military academy). 2 (usu. Academy) society or institution of distinguished scholars, artists, scientists, etc. (Royal Academy). 3 Scot. secondary school. [Greek akademeia the place in Athens where Plato taught] acanthus /a'kaenBas/ n. (pi -thuses) 1 herbaceous plant with spiny leaves. 2 Archil representation of its leaf. [Latin

from Greek]

a cappella

/,a:

ka'pela,

,ae-/

adj.

&

adv.

(of choral

music) unaccompanied.

alian, = in

church

ACAS

/'eikaes/

[It-

style]

abbr.

Advisory, Con-

and Arbitration Service. v. (-ding) (foil, by to) 1 take office, esp. as monarch. 2 assent or

ciliation,

accede

/ak'si:d/

agree. [Latin: related to cede]

accelerate

/ak'sela.reit/

v.

(-ting)

move

or cause to move or happen more acceleration /-'reij(a)n/ n. quickly. [Latin: related to celerity] accelerator n. 1 device for increasing speed, esp. the pedal controlling the speed of a vehicle's engine. 2 Physics apparatus for imparting high speeds to

charged particles.

accent -n.

/'aeks(a)nt/ 1 particular (esp.

local or national) mode of pronunciation. 2 distinctive feature or emphasis (accent on speed). 3 prominence given to a syllable by stress or pitch. 4 mark on a letter or word to indicate pitch, stress, or vowel quality, -v. /aek'sent/ 1 emphasize (a word or syllable etc.). 2 write or print accents on (words 3 accentuate. [Latin cantus song]

accentuate /ak'sentfu.eit/ v. phasize, make prominent. tuation

;-'eiJ(a)n/ n.

etc.).

emaccen-

(-ting)

[medieval Latin:

/ak'sept/

v.

(an opinion, explanation, etc.) as adequate or valid. 5 take as suitable (does accept cheques). 6 undertake (an office or duty). {Latin capio take]

acceptable adj. come. /-'biliti/

2

1

(also absol.) will-

ingly receive (a thing offered). 2 (also absol.) answer affirmatively (an offer etc.). 3 regard favourably; treat as welcome (felt accepted). 4 believe, receive

1

worth accepting, wel-

tolerable. n.

acceptability

acceptably adv. [French:

related to accept] acceptance n. 1 willingness to accept. 2 affirmative answer to an invitation etc. 3 approval, belief (fqund wide acceptance). access /'aekses/ -n. 1 way of approach or entry (shop with rear access). 2 a right or opportunity to reach or use or visit; admittance (access to secret files, to the prisoner), b accessibility. 3 archaic outburst (an access of anger), -v. 1 Computing gain access to (data etc.). 2 accession. [French: related to accede] accessible /ak'sesib(a)l/ adj. (often foil, by to) 1 reachable or obtainable; readily available. 2 easy to understand,

accessibility

accession

/-'biliti/ n.

/ak'sej(a)n/

-n.

1

taking

office, esp. as monarch. 2 thing added. -v. record the addition of (a new item) to a library etc. accessory /ak'sesan/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 additional or extra thing. 2 (usu. in pi) small

attachment, fitting, or subsidiary item of dress (e.g. shoes, gloves). 3 (often foil, by to) person who abets or is privy to an [medieval Latin: act. illegal) (esp. related to accede] access road n. road giving access only to the properties along it. access time n. Computing time taken to retrieve data from storage. accident /'aeksid(a)nt/ n. 1 unfortunate esp. harmful event, caused unintentionally. 2 event that is unexpected or without apparent cause, c by accident unintentionally. [Latin cado fall]

accidental

/,aeksi'dent(a)l/ -adj.

hap-

pening by chance or accident, -n. Mus. sign indicating a note's momentary deacciparture from the key signature, dentally adv.

accident-prone adj. clumsy. acclaim /a'kleim/ -v. 1 welcome

or

applaud enthusiastically. 2 hail as (acclaimed him king), -n. applause, welcome, public praise. [Latin acclamo: related to claim]

acclamation

/,aekla'meij(a)n/ n. 1 loud in pi) shouting

and eager assent. 2 (usu. in a person's

related to accent]

accept

acclimatize

5

-ac suffix forming adjectives often (or only) used as nouns (cardiac; maniac).

honour.

acclimatize /a'klaima.taiz/

v.

(also -ise)

(-zing or -sing) adapt to a new climate acclimatization or conditions. acclimater. [French n. /-'zeij(a)n/ related to climate]

accolade

ferring of a knighthood. [Latin collum

accommodate /a'kDma.deit/ v. (-ting) 1 provide lodging or room for {flat accommodates two). 2 adapt, harmonize, reconcile (must accommodate himself to new ideas). 3 a do favour to, oblige (a person), b (foil, by with) supply (a person) with. [Latin: related to commode]

accommodating

adj.

obliging,

com-

pliant.

accommodation /a,kDma'deiJXa)n/ n.

1

lodgings. 2 adjustment, adaptation. 3 convenient arrangement; settlement,

compromise.

accommodation address

n.

postal

address used by a person unable or unwilling to give a permanent address. accompaniment /a'kAmpanimant/ n. 1 instrumental or orchestral support for a solo instrument, voice, or group. 2

accompanying sense

thing.

accompanist

1).

accompany

/a'kAmpani/ v. (-ies, -ied) go with; escort. 2 (usu. in passive; by with, by) be done or found with; supplement. 3 Mus. partner with accompaniment. [French: related 1

foil,

to

companion]

accomplice

/a'kAmplis/ n. partner in a crime etc. [Latin: related to complex] accomplish /a'kAmpliJV v. succeed in doing; achieve, complete. [Latin: related to

accost

/a'kDst/

approach and ad-

1

v.

dress (a person), esp. boldly. 2 (of a prostitute) solicit. [Latin costa rib] /a'kaunt/ -n. 1 narration, description (an account of his trip). 2 arrangement at a bank etc. for deposit-

account

neck]

n. (in

accretion

6

accolade /'aeka.leid/ n. 1 praise given. 2 touch made with a sword at the con-

complete]

accomplished adj. clever, skilled, accomplishment n. 1 completion (of a task etc.). 2 acquired, esp. social, thing achieved.

accord /a'ko:d/-i;.

1

(often

foil,

skill.

3

by with)

be consistent or in harmony. 2 grant (permission, a request, etc.); give (a welcome etc.). -n. 1 agreement, conof sent. 2 Mus. & Art etc. harmony. one's own accord on one's own initivoluntarily, with one accord unanimously. [Latin cor cord- heart] accordance n. n in accordance with accordant adj. in conformity to. according adv. 1 (foil, by to) a as stated by (according to Mary), b in proportion to (lives according to his means). 2 (foil, by as + clause) in a manner or to a degree that varies as (pays according as he is able). accordingly adv. 1 as circumstances ative;

suggest or require (please act accordingly). 2 consequently (accordingly, he left the room). accordion /a'ka:dian/ n. musical reed instrument with concertina-like belaccordilows, keys, and buttons. onist n. [Italian accordare to tune]

ing and withdrawing money, credit, etc. (open an account). 3 record or statement of financial transactions with the balance (kept detailed accounts), -v. consider as (account him wise, a fool). account for 1 serve as or provide an explanation for (that accounts for his

mood).

2

answer

for

(money

etc.

entrusted, one's conduct, etc.). 3 kill, destroy, defeat. 4 make up a specified amount of (rent accounts for 50% of expenditure), by all accounts in everyone's opinion, call to account require

an explanation from, give a good bad) account of oneself impress

(or (or

impress); be successful (or unsuccessful), keep account of keep a record of; follow closely, of no account unimportant, of some account important, on account 1 (of goods) to be paid for later. 2 (of money) in part payment, on one's account on one's behalf (not on my account), on account of because of. fail to

on no account under no circumstances, take account of (or take into account) consider (took their age into account), turn to account (or good account) turn to one's advantage. 1 [French: related to count ]

accountable

adj.

1

responsible;

required to account for one's conduct. 2 accountexplicable, understandable. ability /-'biliti/ n. accountant n. professional keeper or accountancy n. verifier of accounts.

accounting

n.

accoutrements

/a'ku:tramants/ n.pl

(t/Saccouterments /-tamants/) 1 equipment, trappings. 2 soldier's equipment and clothes. weapons excluding [French]

accredit

/a'kredit/

v. (-t-) 1

(foil,

by

to)

attribute (a saying etc.) to (a person). 2 (foil, by with) credit (a person) with (a saying etc.). 3 (usu. foil, by to or at)

send (an ambassador

etc.) with creden4 gain influence for or make credible (an adviser, a statement, etc.). [French: related to credit] accredited adj. 1 officially recognized. 2 generally accepted. accretion /a'kri:J(a)n/ n. 1 growth or increase by accumulation, addition, or organic enlargement. 2 the resulting whole. 3 a matter so added, b adhesion of this to the core matter. [Latin cresco tials.

cret-

grow]

-

accrue accrue (often

a'kru.

v.

by

to)

foil,

(-ues.

come

-ued. -uing) as a natural

increase or advantage, esp. financial. [Latin: related to accretion}

accumulate

a'kju:mju,leit

v.

(-ting)

1

acquire an increasing number or quantity of; amass, collect. 2 grow numerous; increase. [Latin: related to cumulus] a,kju:mju'leij(a)n n. 1 accumulating or being accumulated. 2 mass. 3 growth of capital accumulated

accumulation

by continued interest,

accumulative

a'kju:mjulativ adj.

accumulator

n.

1

rechargeable

elec-

tric cell. 2 bet placed on a sequence of events, with the winnings and stake from each placed on the next. accuracy 'aekjurasi n. exactness or careful precision. [Latin cura carel accurate aekjurat adj. careful, precise; conforming exactly with the truth accurately adv. or a standard, accursed ak3:sid adj. 1 under a curse. 2 colloq. detestable, annoying. [Old English a- intensive prefix, curse] accusation ,aekju:'zeij(a)n n. accusing or being accused. [French: related to

ACCUSE] a'kju:zativ Gram. -n. case expressing the object of an action, -adj.

of or in this case.

accusatory

akju:zatan implying accusation. akju:z

v.

(

of

adj.

or

-sing) (often

foil,

of) charge with a fault or crime; blame. [Latin accusare: related to cause] accustom a'kAStam v. (foil, by to) make used to (accustomed him to hardship). [French: related to custom] accustomed adj. 1 (usu. foil, by to) used to a thing. 2 customary, usual. ace -n. 1 playing-card etc. with a single spof and generally signifying 'one'. 2 a person who excels in some activity, b pilot who has shot down many enemy aircraft. 3 (in tennis) unreturnable

stroke (esp. a service), -adj. slang exwithin an ace of on the verge cellent, of. [Latin as unity]

acellular cells;

ei'seljula(r)

adj.

not consisting of

cells,

-aceous

suffix

having no

forming adjectives

in the

sense 'of the nature of. esp. in the natural sciences (herbaceous). [Latin -aceus] a's3:bik adj. harsh and sharp, acerbity n. speech or manner, -ies). [Latin acerbus sour]

acerbic esp. in (pi.

^si'taelduhaid n. colourless volatile liquid aldehyde, [from

acetaldehyde

ACETIC ALDEHYDE] 'aesi.teit n. 1 salt or ester of acetic acid. esp. the cellulose ester. 2 fabric made from this.

acetate

acetone

adj. of or like vinegar.

aesi.taon

n.

colourless vol-

organic compounds, esp. paints, varnishes, etc. atile liquid that dissolves

acetylene

a'seti,li:n

n.

hydrocarbon

gas burning with a bright flame, used esp. in welding. ache eik -n. 1 continuous dull pain. 2 mental distress, —v. (-ching) suffer from or be the source of an ache. [Old English]

achieve

a'tjuv

(-ving)

v.

reach or

1

attain, esp. by effort (achieved victory: achieved notoriety). 2 accomplish (a feat

[French achever: related to

or task). chief]

achievement n.

1

something achieved.

2 act of achieving.

heel

Achilles'

weak

a'kili:z

person's

n.

vulnerable point. Greek hero in the Iliad] or

Achilles' tendon

n.

[Achilles.

tendon connec-

ting the heel with the calf muscles.

achromatic

aekrau'maetik adj. Optransmitting light without constituent colours into separation (achromatic lens). 2 without colour. [French: achromatically* adv. 1

related to

achy by

a'si:tik

[Latin acetum vinegar] acetic acid n. clear liquid acid giving vinegar its characteristic taste.

tics

accusative

accuse

acknowledge acetic

chrome]

a-,

(-ier. -iest) full

adj.

'eiki

of or

from aches.

suffering

-n. 1 a any of a class of substances that liberate hydrogen ions in water, are usu. sour and corrosive, turn litmus red. and have a pH of less than 7. b any compound or atom donating protons. 2 any sour substance. 3 slang the drug LSD. -adj. 1 sour. 2 biting, sharp (an acid wit). 3 Chem. having the essential properties of an

acid

aesid

acidify acidity acidly adv. [Latin aceo be

acidic

acid.

asidifai a siditi

v.

n.

a'sidik

(-ies.

adj.

-ied).

sour]

acid house n. a type of synthesized music with a simple repetitive beat, often associated drugs.

waste

with hallucinogenic

acid, esp. from industrial gases, falling with rain.

acid rain acid test

n.

n.

acidulous

severe or conclusive a'sidjulas

adj.

test.

somewhat

acid.

ack-ack

colloq. -adj. antiae'kaek gun etc. anti-aircraft [formerly signallers' term for AA)

aircraft,

-n.

acknowledge

ak nDlid3 v. ( ging) 1 recognize; accept the truth of (acknowledged its failure). 2 confirm the receipt of (a letter etc.). 3 a show that one has noticed (acknowledged my arrival with

acknowledgement service

etc.).

act

8

a grunt), b express appreciation of 4 recognize the validity

(a of,

duty or responsibility).

acre

gratitude, b letter confirming receipt of something. 3 (usu. in pi.) author's statement of gratitude, prefacing a book. acme /'aeknu/ n. highest point (of achieve-

acrid

ment

acne

(the

etc.).

[Greek] skin condition with red

/'aekni/ n.

person assisting a priest. 2 assistant; beginner. [Greek akolouthos follower] aconite /'aeka.nait/ n. 1 any of various poisonous plants, esp. monkshood. 2 drug from these. [Greek akoniton] acorn /'eiko:n/ n. fruit of the oak, with a smooth nut in a cuplike base. [Old Eng/'aeka.lait/ n. 1

lish]

/8'ku:stik/ adj. 1 of sound or the sense of hearing. 2 (of a musical

acoustic

instrument

without

etc.)

{acoustic

amplification

electrical

guitar).

acoustically adv. [Greek akouo hear]

acoustics

properties or qualities (of a room etc.) in transmitting sound. 2 (usu. as sing.) science of sound. n.pl. 1

acquaint /a'kwemt/ v. (usu. foil, by with) make aware of or familiar with be me with the facts). acquainted with have personal know(acquaint ledge

of;

tO AD-,

know

slightly. [Latin: related

COGNIZANCE]

acquaintance

n. 1

person one knows

being acquainted. 2

slightly.

anceship n. acquiesce /.aekwi'es/

v.

acquaint-

(-cing)

1

agree,

by default. 2 (foil, by in) accept (an acquiescence n. arrangement etc.). acquiescent adj. [Latin: related to ad-, esp.

quiet]

acquire

/9'kwaia(r)/ v. (-ring) gain for oneself; come into possession of. [Latin:

related to ad-, quaero quisit- seek]

acquired

drome

immune

acquired taste n.

1

liking developed

by

experience. 2 object of this, acquirement n. thing acquired, esp. a mental attainment. acquisition /,aekwi'zij(a)n/ n. 1 thing acquired, esp. when useful. 2 acquiring or being acquired. [Latin: related to acquire] /a'kwizitiv/ adj.

keen

to

acquire things.

acquit /a'kwit/

v. (-tt-) 1

(often

foil,

by of)

declare not guilty. 2 refl. a behave or perform in a specified way (acquitted herself well), b (foil, by of) discharge (a

measure of

sq. yds., 0.405 ha.

acreage

land, 4,840

[Old English] n. a number of

/'eikarid3/

acres; extent of land, /"aekrid/ adj.

(-er,

-est) bitterly

pungent. acridity /a'knditi/ acer keen, pungent]

acrimonious ter in manner /'aekrimani/ n.

n.

[Latin

/.aekn'maunias/ adj. bitor temper. acrimony

/'aekra.baet/ n.

forming gymnastic

entertainer per-

feats.

acrobatic

acrobatically [Greek akrobates from akron summit, baino walk] /.aekra'baetik/

adj.

/.aekra'baetikali/ adv.

acrobatics

/.aekra'baetiks/ n.pl. 1 acrobatic feats. 2 (as sing.) art of performing these. acronym /'aekranim/ n. word formed from the initial letters of other words (e.g. laser, Nato). [Greek akron end,

onoma name] acropolis /a'kropahs/ n. citadel of an ancient Greek city. [Greek akron summit, polis city] /a'krns/ -prep. 1 to or on the other side of (across the river). 2 from one side to another side of (spread

across

across the floor). 3 at or forming an angle with (a stripe across the flag), -adv. 1 to or on the other side (ran across). 2 from one side to another across the board (stretched across). applying to all. [French a, en, croix: related to cross]

acrostic /a'kmstik/ n. poem etc. in which certain letters (usu. the first and last in each line) form a word or words. [Greek akron end, stikhos row] acrylic /a'knlik/ -adj. of synthetic material made from acrylic acid. -n. acrylic fibre or fabric. [Latin acer pungent, oleo to smell] acrylic acid n. a pungent liquid or-

ganic acid. 1 something done; a deed. 2 process of doing (caught in the act). 3 item of entertainment. 4 pretence (all an act). 5 main division of a play etc. 6 a decree of a legislative body, b document attesting a legal transaction, -v. 1 behave (acted wisely). 2 perform an action or function; take action (act as referee; brakes failed to act; he acted quickly). 3 (also foil, by on) have an effect (alcohol acts on the brain). 4 a perform a part in a play, film, etc. b pretend. 5 a play the part of (acted Othello; acts the foot), b perform (a play etc.). c portray (an act for be the incident) by actions. (esp. legal) representative of. act of God natural event, e.g. an earthquake, act

act -n.

deficiency syn-

see Aids.

acquisitive

/'eika(r)/ n.

acrobat

pimples. [Latin]

acolyte

n.

[Latin: related to ad-, quit]

acknowledged king), [from AD-, KNOWLEDGE] acknowledgement n. 1 act of acknowledging. 2 a thing given or done in

own

acquittal

acting up

misbehave; give trouble (car is acting up), get one's act together slang become properly organized; prepare, put on an act colloq. make a pretence. [Latin ago act- do] acting -n. art or occupation of an actor. -attrib. adj. serving temporarily or as a substitute (acting manager). actinism 'aekti,niz(a)m n. property of short-wave radiation that produces chemical changes, as in photography. [Greek aktis ray] actinium aek'tmiam n. Chem. radioactive metallic element found in pitchblende, [as actinism]

action /'aekJXa)n n. acting (demanded

process of doing or action). 2 forceful-

1

ness or energy. 3 exertion of energy or influence (action of acid on metal). 4 deed, act (not aware of his actions). 5 (the action) a series of events in a story, play, etc. b slang exciting activity (missed the action). 6 battle, fighting (killed in action). 7 a mechanism of an instrument, b style of movement of an animal or human. 8 lawsuit. out of action not working. [Latin: related to act] actionable adj. giving cause for legal action.

action-packed

adj. full of action or

excitement.

action point n. proposal for action, action replay n. playback of part of a television broadcast, esp. a sporting event, often in slow motion, action stations n.pl. positions taken up by troops etc. ready for battle, /'aekti.veit/ v. (-ting) 1 make 2 Chem. cause reaction in. 3 radioactive.

activate active.

make

active

/'aektiv/

-adj.

1

marked by

action; energetic; diligent (an active life). 2 working, operative (active volcano). 3 not merely passive or inert; positive (active support; active ingredients). 4 radioactive. 5 Gram, designat-

ing the form of a verb whose subject performs the action (e.g. saw in he saw a film). -n. Gram, active form or voice of a actively adv. [Latin: related to verb. act] active service n. military service in

wartime.

activism n. policy of vigorous action, activist n. esp. for a political cause. activity /aek'tiviti/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 being active; busy or energetic action. 2 (often in pi.) occupation or pursuit (outdoor activities). 3 = radioactivity. actor n. person who acts in a play, film, etc. [Latin:

actress

adapt

9

colloq.

n.

related to act]

female actor.

actual

aektjuel

adj.

(\xsu.

attrib.) 1

existing in fact; real. 2 current. [Latin: related to act]

actuality

n. [pi -ies) 1 existing conditions actually aektjueli adv. 1 as a fact, really (not actually amy rich). 2 strange as it may seem (he actually refused.').

reality. 2

,a?ktj*u'a?liti

un pi)

actuary a?ktjuan

n. (pi. -ies) statisti-

cian, esp. one calculating insurance risks and premiums.. actuarial adj. [Latin actuarius book/-'eanal

keeper]

actuate machine cause

(a

'aektju.eit

v.

(-ting)

move

etc.) to

person) to

1

cause

(a

or function. 2

act. [Latin]

acuity

a'kju:iti n. sharpness, acuteness. [medieval Latin: related to acute] 'aekjuman n. keen insight or discernment. [Latin. = acute thing]

acumen

acupuncture

'3?kiu:,pAr]ktJa(r)

n.

medical treatment using needles in parts of the body, acupuncturist n. [Latin acu with needle] a'kju:t -adj. (acuter. acutest) 1 serious, severe (acute hardship). 2 (of senses etc.) keen, penetrating. 3 shrewd. 4 (of a disease) coming quickly to a c crisis. 5 (of an angle) less than 90 6 (of a sound) high, shrill. -n. = acute accent. acutely adv. [Latin acutus pointed]

acute

.

acute accent

n.

diacritical

mark

( '

placed over certain letters in French etc., esp. to show pronunciation.

-acy

suffix

forming

nouns

of

state

or quality (accuracy; piracy), or an instance of it (conspiracy; fallacy). [French -acie, Latin -acia. -atia. Greek -ateia]

ad

abbr. of the Christian era.

[Anno

Domini]

ad

colloq.

n.

advertisement, [abbrevi-

ation]

ad- prefix (altered or assimilated before some letters) implying motion or direction to, reduction or change into, addition,

adherence, increase, or intensi-

fication. [Latin] /'aedid3/ n.

adage

traditional

maxim,

proverb. [French from Latin] adagio /a'da:3iao7 Mus. -adv. & adj. in slow time. -n. (pi. -s) such a movement or passage. [Italian] not /'aedam/ n. the first man. know a person from Adam be unable = [Hebrew, man] person. to recognize a adamant /'aBdamant/ adj. stubbornly adamantly resolute; unyielding. adv. [Greek adamas adamant- untame-

Adam

able]

Adam's apple

n.

projection of cartil-

age at the front of the neck. adapt /a'daept/ v. 1 a (foil, by to) fit, adjust (one thing to another), b (foil, by

adaptor for)

1

adaptation

1

/,aedaep'teij\a)n/ n. [Latin:

n. 1

device for making equip2 device for connectelectrical plugs to one

ment compatible. ing

several

join (one thing to another) as an increase or supplement. 2 put together (numbers) to find their total. 3 say further. add in include, add up 1 find the total of. 2 (foil, by to) amount to. 3 colloq. make sense. [Latin addo] /a'dendam/ n. (pi. -da) 1 thing to be added. 2 material added at the end of a book. 1

addendum

adder n. small venomous snake, the common viper. [Old English,

esp. ori-

ginally nadder]

addict /'aedikt/ n.

1 person addicted, esp. to a drug. 2 colloq. devotee (film addict). [Latin: related to ad-, dico say] addicted /a'diktid/ adj. 1 (usu. foil, by to) dependent on a drug etc. as a habit. 2 devoted to an interest. addiction /a'dikj(9)n/ n. addictive adj. causing addiction. addition /a'dij*(a)n/ n. 1 adding. 2 person or thing added. in addition (often foil, by to) also, as well (as). [Latin: related to add] additional adj. added, extra, supple-

additionally adv. additive /'aeditrv/ n. substance added to improve another, esp. to colour, flamentary.

vour, or preserve food. [Latin: related to

add]

addle

/'aed(a)l/ v. (-ling) 1

muddle, con-

fuse. 2 (usu. as addled adj.) (of an egg) become rotten. [Old English, = filth] address /a'dres/ -n. 1 a place where a person lives or an organization is situated, b particulars of this, esp. for postal

purposes, c Computing location of an item of stored information. 2 discourse to an audience, —v. 1 write postal directions on (an envelope etc.). 2 direct (remarks etc.). 3 speak or write to, esp. formally. 4 direct one's attention to. 5 address Golf take aim at (the ball). oneself to 1 speak or write to. 2 attend to. [French: related to ad-, direct]

addressee /.aedre'si:/ n. person to whom a letter

adduce

adept

/'aedept/ -adj. (foil, by at, in) skilful, -n. adept person. [Latin adipiscor adept- attain]

/'aedikwat/ adj. sufficient, satisfactory, n adequacy n. ad-

equately adv.

[Latin: related to ad-,

equate]

d deux /a: 'd3:/ adv. & adj.

socket.

add v.

breathing in the young. adenoidal /-'noid(a)l/ adj. [Greek aden gland]

adequate

related to ad-, apt]

adaptor

adjunct

10

make

suitable for a purpose, c modify (esp. a text for broadcasting etc.). 2 (also reft., usu. foil, by to) adjust to new conditions. adaptable adj. to,

etc. is

addressed.

/a'dju:s/

v.

(-cing) cite as

an

instance or as proof or evidence. adducible adj. [Latin: related to ad-,

duco lead]

adenoids

/'aedi.noidz/ n.pl. area of enlarged lymphatic tissue between the nose and the throat, often hindering

for or between

two. [French]

adhere

/ad'hia(r)/

v.

(-ring)

1

(usu.

foil.

by to) stick fast to a substance etc. 2 (foil. by to) behave according to (a rule, undertaking, etc.). 3 (foil, by to) give allegiance. [Latin haereo stick]

adherent -rc.

supporter, -adj. sticking,

adhering.

adherence

adhesion

/ad'hi:3(a)n/ n.

n.

adhering. 2

1

unnatural union of body tissues due to inflammation.

adhesive

/ad'hi:siv/ -adj. sticky, causing adhesion, -n. adhesive substance.

adhesiveness

n.

/aed 'hDk/ adv. & adj. for one particular occasion or use. [Latin] adieu /a'dju:/ int. goodbye. [French, =

ad hoc to

God]

ad infinitum without

/'aedi.pauz/

of

fat;

fatty

/-'p'ositi/

[Latin adeps fat]

adjacent by

adj.

adiposity

(adipose tissue). n.

.infi'naitam/ adv.

/aed

limit; for ever. [Latin]

adipose

/a'd3eis(a)nt/ adj. (often foil,

adja-

lying near; adjoining.

to)

cency n. [Latin jaceo lie] adjective /'aed3iktiv/ n. word used to describe or modify a noun or pronoun. adjectival

/,aed3ik'taiv(a)l/

[Latin jaceo lie] /a'd3om/ v. be next to with. [Latin jungo join]

adjoin

adjourn

/a'd33:n/

v. 1

put

adj.

and joined

off,

postpone;

meeting etc.) temporarily. 2 (of a meeting) break and disperse or (foil, by to) transfer to another place adjourn(adjourned to the pub). break

off (a

ment n.

[Latin: related to ad-,

diurnum

day]

adjudge

/a'd3Ad3/

v.

(-ging)

1

pro-

nounce judgement on (a matter). 2 pronounce or award judicially. adjudgement n. (also adjudgment). [Latin judex judge]

adjudicate /a'd3u:di,keit/ v.

(-ting) 1 act

as judge in a competition, court, etc. 2 adjudication /-'keij(a)n/ n. adjudge.

adjudicative

adjunct

adj.

adjudicator n. 1 (foil, by to,

/'aed3Ankt/ n.

subordinate

or

incidental

thing.

of)

2

Gram, word or phrase used to explain or amplify

the predicate, subject, [Latin: related to adjoin]

etc.

adjure

adrenalin

adjure /a'd3ua(r)/ to

+

infin.)

juration

v.

(-ring) (usu.

beg or command.

/,aed3ua'rei.f(a)n/

by ad-

foil,

[Latin

n.

adjuro put to oath: related to jury] adjust /a'd3Ast/ v. 1 order or position; regulate; arrange. 2 (usu. foil, by to) become or make suited; adapt. 3 harmonize (discrepancies). 4 assess (loss or damages). adjustable adj. adjustment n. [Latin juxta near] adjutant /'aed3ut(a)nt/ n. 1 a army officer assisting a superior in administrative duties, b assistant. 2 (in full adjutant bird) giant Indian stork. [Latin: related to ad-Juvo jut- help] ad lib /aed 'lib/ -v. (-bb-) improvise.

-adj. improvised, -adv. as one pleases, to any desired extent, [abbreviation of Latin ad libitum according to pleasure] admin /'aedmm/ n. colloq. administration, [abbreviation] administer /ad'mmista(r)/ v. 1 manage (business affairs etc.). 2 a deliver or dispense, esp. formally (a punishment, sacrament, etc.). b (usu. foil, by to) direct the taking of (an oath). [Latin: related to ad-, minister] administrate /ad'mmi.streit/ v. (-ting) administer (esp. business affairs); act as an administrator.

administration 1

/ad,mini'streij(a)n/ n.

administering, esp. public affairs. 2

government

in power, administrative /ad'ministrativ/ adj. of the management of affairs, administrator /9d'mmi,streita(r)/ n.

manager of a business, public affairs, or a person's estate.

admirable

/'aedmarab(a)l/ adj. deservadmiring admiration; excellent. ably adv. [Latin: related to admire]

admiral

/'aBdmar(a)l/

n.1a commander-

b high-ranking naval officer, commander. 2 any of various butterflies. [Arabic: related to amir] in-chief

of a

Admiralty

navy,

n. (pi. -ies) (in full

Admir-

alty Board) hist, committee superintending the Royal Navy. admiration /.aedma'reiJXaW n. 1 respect; warm approval or pleasure. 2 object of this. admire /ad'maia(r)/ v. (-ring) 1 regard with approval, respect, or satisfaction. 2 admirer n. express admiration of.

admiring

adj.

admiringly adv. ad-, miror wonder at]

[Latin: related to /9d'misib(9)l/ adj.

admissible

1

(of

an

idea etc.) worth accepting or considering. 2 Law allowable as evidence. [Latin: related to admit] admission /ad'miJXa)n/ n. 1 acknowledgement (admission of error). 2 a

process or right of entering, b charge for this

(admission

is £5).

admit /ad'mit/

(often foil, by to be, or that + clause) acknowledge; recognize as true. 2 (foil, by to) confess to (a deed, fault, etc.). 3 allow (a person) entrance, access, etc. 4 take (a patient) into hospital. 5 (of an enclosed space) accommodate. 6 (foil, by of) allow as possible. [Latin mitto miss- send] admittance n. admitting or being admitted, usu. to a place. admittedly adv. as must be admitted. admixture /aed'mikstja(r)/ n. 1 thing added, esp. a minor ingredient. 2 adding v. (-tt-) 1

of this.

admonish urge,

/ad'monij"/ advise. 3 (foil,

admonishment

reprove. 2

1

v.

by

of)

warn.

n. admonition admonitory adj.

/,aedma'mJXa)n/ [Latin moneo warn] 'no^i.aem/ adv. excessively; disgustingly. [Latin, = to sickness] n.

ad nauseam /aed

ado /a'du:/ n. fuss, busy activity; trouble, [from at, do

1 :

much ado =

originally in

much to do] adobe /a'daubi/

n. 1

sun-dried brick. 2

clay for making these. [Spanish] adolescent /,aeda'les(a)nt/

-adj.

between childhood and adulthood, -n. adolescence n. adolescent person. [Latin adolesco grow up] Adonis /a'daunis/ n. handsome young man. [Latin, name of a youth loved by Venus]

adopt /a'dDpt/ v.

1 legally take (a person) into a relationship, esp. another's child as one's own. 2 choose (a course of action etc.). 3 take over (another's idea etc.). 4 choose as a candidate for office. 5 accept responsibility for the maintenance of (a road etc.). 6 accept or approve adoption n. (a report, accounts, etc.). [Latin: related to ad-, opt] adoptive adj. because of adoption (adoptive son). [Latin: related to adopt]

adorable

/8'do:rab(a)l/ adj.

1

deserving

adoration. 2 colloq. delightful, charming.

adore

/a'do:(r)/

v.

(-ring)

1

love intense-

worship as divine. 3 colloq. like very much, adoration /.aeda'reiJXaJn/ n. adorer n. [Latin adoro worship] adorn /a'do:n/ v. add beauty to; ly.

2

adornment n. [Latin: decorate. related to ad-, orno decorate] adrenal /a'dri:n(a)l/ -adj. 1 at or near the kidneys. 2 of the adrenal glands. -n. (in full adrenal gland) either of two ductless glands above the kidneys, secreting adrenalin, [from ad-, renal] adrenalin /a'drenalin/ n. (also adrenaline) 1 stimulative hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. 2 this extracted or synthesized for medicinal use.

adrift adrift a'dnft adv.

& predic.adj.

drift-

1

ing. 2 powerless; aimless. 3 colloq.

unfastened, b out {plans went adrift).

adroit

/a'drort/ adj.

order,

of

a

wrong

dexterous, skilful.

[French a droit according to right] ad'sa:b/ v. (usu. of a solid) hold (molecules of a gas or liquid etc.) to its

adsorb-

surface, forming a thin film,

ent adj. absorb]

&

adsorption

n.

n.

[from ad-,

/,aedjo'leiJXa)n/

n.

obsequi-

adulor fawn on] adult /'aedAlt/-ad/'. 1 mature, grown-up. 2 {attrib.) of or for adults {adult educaflattery. [Latin

-n. adult person, [Latin adolesco adultus

tion),

adulterate

adulthood grow up]

/a'dAlta.reit/

v.

n.

(-ting) de-

base (esp. foods) by adding other substances, adulterant adj. & n. adulteration /-'reij(a)n/ n. [Latin adultero /a'dAltara(r)/ n. (fern,

who commits

teress) person

adul-

adultery.

adultery

n. voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person other than his or her spouse,

adulterous

adj.

adumbrate

/'aedAm.breit/ v. ( ting) 1 indicate faintly or in outline. 2 foreshadow. 3 overshadow. adumbration /-'breij\a)n/ n. [Latin: related to

umbra shade]

advance

/ad'va:ns/ -v. (-cing) 1 move or put forward; progress. 2 pay or lend (money) beforehand. 3 promote (a person, cause, etc.). 4 present (a suggestion etc.). 5 (as advanced adj.) a well ahead, b socially progressive, -n. 1 going forward; progress. 2 prepayment; loan. 3 (in pi.) amorous approaches. 4 rise in price, -attrib. adj. done or supplied

beforehand (advance warning). advance on approach threateningly, in advance ahead in place or time. [Latin: related to ab-, ante before]

advanced level

n.

high level of

GCE

examination.

advancement

n. promotion of a person, cause, or plan. /ad'va:ntid3/ -n. 1 beneficial feature. 2 benefit, profit. 3 (often foil, by over) superiority. 4 (in tennis) the next point after deuce, -v. (-ging) benefit, favour, take advantage of 1 make good use of. 2 exploit, esp. unfairly. 3 euphem. seduce. advantageous /,aedvan'teid3as/ adj. [French: related to advance]

advantage

Advent

sect believing in the coming of Christ.

of a Christian

imminent second

/.aedven'tijas/ adj.

1

acci-

added from outside. 3 Biol, formed accidentally or under unusual conditions. [Latin: related to Advent] adventure /ad'ventja(r)/ -n. 1 unusual and exciting experience. 2 enterprise dental, casual. 2

of adventure), -v. (-ring) dare, venture; engage in adventure. [Latin: related to Advent]

adventure

playground

play-

n.

ground with climbing-frames, building blocks, etc.

adventurer n. (fern, adventuress) 1 person who seeks adventure, esp. for personal gain or enjoyment. 2 financial speculator.

adventurous

venturesome,

adj.

enterprising.

corrupt]

ad-,

member

n.

(spirit

adulation

adulterer

Adventist

adventitious

adsorb

ous

adviser

12

/'aedvent/ n. 1 season before Christmas. 2 coming of Christ. 3 (advent) important arrival. [Latin advent us from venio come]

adverb

/'aedv3:b/

word

n.

indicating

manner,

degree, circumstance, etc., used to modify an adjective, verb, or other adverb (e.g. gently, quite, then).

adverbial

/ad'v3:bial/

adj.

[Latin:

related to ad-, verbum word, verb] adversary /'aedvasan/ n. (pi. -ies) en-

emy, opponent,

adversarial

/-'seanal/

adj.

adverse

/'a3dv3:s/

z

harmful,

unfavourable;

adj.

adversely adv.

[Latin:

related to ad-, verto vers- turn]

adversity

/ad'v3:siti/

misfortune,

n.

distress.

advert

/'aedv3:t/

colloq.

n.

advertise-

ment, [abbreviation]

advertise /'aedva.taiz/ v. (-sing) 1 promote (goods or services) publicly to increase sales. 2 make generally known. foil, by for) seek by a notice in a etc. to buy, employ, sell, etc. [French avertir: related to adverse]

3 (often

newspaper

advertisement

/ad'v3:tismant/

n.

1

public announcement, esp. of goods etc. for sale or wanted, vacancies, etc. 2 avertissement: advertising. [French related to adverse]

advice

/ad'vais/ n.

on how

1

recommendation

2 information given;

to act.

news. 3 formal notice of a transaction. adj. to be

advisable /ad'vaizab(a)l/ recommended, expedient. ility

/-

advise

advisab-

biliti/ n.

/ad'vaiz/

give advice

to.

v.

2

(-sing)

1

(also absol.)

recommend (advised

or that + clause) inform. [Latin: related to ad-, video vis- see] advisedly /ad'vaizidli/ adv. after due consideration; deliberately,

me

to rest). 3 (usu. foil,

adviser

by

of,

n. (also advisor) person advises, esp. officially.

who

advisory Usage The variant advisor is fairly common, but is considered incorrect by many people. advisory adj. advocaat

liqueur of eggs, sugar, and brandy. [Dutch, = ad/,aedva'ka:t/

n.

vocate]

advocacy

'aedvakasi/ n. support or arfor a cause, policy, etc.

advocate -n. /'aedvakat/ 1 (foil, by person who supports or speaks favour. 2 person who pleads another,

esp.

in

a

lawcourt.

of)

in

for

-v.

recommend by argument. [Latin: related to ad-, voco call] adze aedz/ n. (US adz) tool like an axe, with an arched blade at right angles to /'aedva.keit/ (-ting)

the handle. [Old English] i:d3is/ n. protection; support. [Greek aigis shield of Zeus or Athene] aeolian harp /i:'aulian/ n. stringed instrument or toy sounding when the wind passes through it. [Latin Aeolus wind-god, from Greek] aeon /'imn/ n. (also eon) 1 long or indefinite period. 2 an age. [Latin from

aegis

Greek]

aerate

(-ting) 1 charge (a v. carbon dioxide. 2 expose to aeration -'reij(8)n/ n. [Latin aer 'eareit

liquid) with air.

air]

aerial

/'eanal/ -n. device for transmitting or receiving radio waves, -adj. 1 by or from the air; involving aircraft (aerial attack). 2 existing in the air. 3 of or like air. [Greek: related to air]

aero- comb, form air; aircraft. [Greek aero- from aer air] aerobatics .eara'baetiks/ n.pl. 1 spectacular flying of aircraft, esp. to entertain. 2 (as sing.) performance of these, [from aero-, after acrobatics] aerobics ea'raubiks/ n.pl. vigorous exercises designed to increase oxygen aerobic adj. [from aero-, intake.

Greek bios

life]

aerodrome

eara.draum/ n. small air[from aero-, Greek

port or airfield, dromos course]

aerodynamics

.earaudai'naemiks

(usu. treated as sing.) dynamics of solid bodies moving through air. n.pl.

aerodynamic

adj.

aerofoil eara.foil/ n. structure with curved surfaces (e.g. a wing, fin, or tailplane) designed to give lift in flight. aeronautics ,earau'no:tiks/ n.pl. (usu. treated as sing.) science or practice of

motion in the aeronautical ical]

aeroplane

'eara.plem n. powered heavier-than-air flying vehicle with fixed wings. [French: related to aero-.

PLANE giving advice (advisory

body).

gument

affiliate

13

air.

adj.

aeronautic

adj.

[from aero-, naut-

1 ]

aerosol

'eara.sDl n. 1 pressurized container releasing a substance as a fine spray. 2 system of minute particles suspended in gas (e.g. fog or smoke), [from AERO-, sol] aerospace 'earau.speis n. 1 earth's atmosphere and outer space. 2 aviation

in this. /'i:s0i:t/ n. person who has or professes a special appreciation of beauty. [Greek aisthanomai perceive] aesthetic i:s'9etik —adj. 1 of or sensitive to beauty. 2 artistic, tasteful, -n. (in pi.) philosophy of beauty, esp. in an. z aesthetically adv. aestheticism

aesthete

-,siz(a)m/ n.

aetiology

,i:ti Dlad3i n. (US etiology ) study of causation or of the causes of disease, z aetiological -a'lod3ik(a)l adj. [Greek aitia cause] AF abbr. audio frequency. afar a'fa:(r), adv. at or to a distance.

affable

'aefab(a)l adj. 1 friendly. 2 cour-

teous, z affability adv. [Latin affabilis]

affair

-

biliti

n.

affably

matter, concern, or thing to be attended to (that is my affair). 2 a celebrated or notorious happening, b colloq. thing or event (puzzling affair). 3 = love affair. 4 (in pi.) public or private business. [French a faire to do] affect a'fekt v. 1 a produce an effect on. b (of disease etc.) attack. 2 move emotionally. 3 pretend (affected ignorance). 4 pose as or use for effect (affects the a'fea(r)

n. 1

aesthete; affects

ing

adj.

fancy

affect-

hats).

affectingly adv. [Latin

officio

affect- influence]

Usage Affect should not be confused with effect, meaning 'to bring about'. Note also that effect is used as a noun as well as a verb.

affectation cial manner.

,3Bfek'teiJ(a)n

n.

1

artifi-

2 (foil, by of) studied display. 3 pretence. affected a'fektid adj. 1 pretended, artificial. 2 full of affectation. affection a'fekj(a)n n. 1 goodwill, fond feeling. 2 disease; diseased condition. affectionate a'fekjanat adj. loving, affectionately adv. fond,

affidavit .aefi'deivit n. written statement confirmed by oath. [Latin, - has stated on oath] affiliate a'fili.eit -i\ (-ting) (foil, by to, with) attach, adopt, or connect as a member or branch. -n. affiliated person etc. [Latin:

related to filial]

affiliation affiliation /a.fili'eiJXa)^' n. affiliating or being affiliated. affiliation order n. legal order against the supposed father of an illegitimate child for support. affinity a'fmiti n. (pi. -ies) 1 liking or attraction; feeling of kinship. 2 relationship, esp. by marriage. 3 similarity of structure or character suggesting a relationship. 4 Chem. the tendency of certain substances to combine with others. [Latin finis border] affirm /a'f3:m/ v. 1 assert, state as a fact. 2 Law make a solemn declaration affirmation in place of an oath. [Latin: related to /,aefa'meij\a)n/ n.

FIRM

1

]

affirmative

/a'f3:mativ/ -adj.

affirm-

expressing approval, -n. affirmative statement or word etc. affix -v. /a'fiks/ 1 attach, fasten. 2 add in writing, -n. /'aefiks/ 1 addition. 2 Gram. prefix or suffix. [Latin: related to fix] afflict /a'flikt/ v. distress physically or mentally. [Latin fligo flict- strike down] affliction /a'flikj(a)n/ n. 1 distress, suffering. 2 cause of this. affluent /'aefluant/ adj. wealthy, rich, affluence n. [Latin: related to fluent] afford /a'fo:d/ v. 1 (prec. by can or be able to) a have enough money, time, etc., for; be able to spare, b be in a position (can 't afford to be critical). 2 provide (affords a view of the sea). [Old English ge- prefix implying completeness, forth] afforest /a'fonst/ v. 1 convert into forest. 2 plant with trees. afforestation /-'steij(a)n/ n. [Latin: related to forest] affray /a'frei/ n. breach of the peace by fighting or rioting in public. [Angloing;

French = 'remove from peace'] affront /a'frAnt/ -n. open insult, -v. insult openly; offend, embarrass. [Latin: related to front] /'aefgaen/ -n. 1 a native or national of Afghanistan, b person of Afghan descent. 2 official language of Afghanistan, -adj. of Afghanistan. [Pashto]

Afghan

Afghan hound n. tall hunting dog with long silky hair.

aficionado

/a,fisja'na:dau/

n.

(pi.

-s)

devotee of a sport or pastime. [Spanish] afield /a'fr.ld/ adv. to or at a distance (esp. far afield). [Old English: related to

A2] /a'fleim/ adv. & predic.adj. 1 in flames. 2 very excited. afloat /a'flaot/ adv. & predic.adj. 1 floating. 2 at sea. 3 out of debt or difficulty. 4 current. [Old English: related to a 2 ] afoot /a'fut/ adv. & predic.adj. in operation; progressing.

aflame

after-effect

14

prep. & adv. archaic before; previously; in front (of). [Old English: related to a 2 ] afore- comb, form before, previously (aforementioned; aforesaid).

afore

/a'fa:(r)/

aforethought

adj. premeditated (following a noun: malice aforethought). /a'freid/ predic. adj. alarmed, frightened, be afraid colloq. politely regret (I'm afraid we're late), [originally past part, of affray] afresh /a'freJV adv. anew; with a fresh

afraid

beginning, [earlier offresh] /'aefnkan/ —n. 1 native (esp. dark-skinned) of Africa. 2 person of African descent, -adj. of Africa. [Latin] African elephant n. the elephant of Africa, larger than that of India. African violet n. house-plant with velvety leaves and blue, purple, or pink

African

flowers.

Afrikaans

/,aefri'ka:ns/ n.

language de-

rived from Dutch, used in [Dutch, = 'African']

Afrikaner speaking of

S.

Africa.

aefn'ka:na(r)/ n. AfrikaansWhite person in S. Africa, esp. /

1

Dutch descent.

Afro

/'aefrau/ -adj. (of hair) tightlycurled and bushy, —n. (pi. -s) Afro hair-

style.

Afro- comb, form African.

Afro-American

/.aefraua'menkan/

American Blacks or -n. American Black.

-adj. of ture,

Afro-Caribbean

their cul-

/.aefrau.kaeri'bran/

-n. Caribbean person of African descent, -adj. of Afro-Caribbeans. aft /a:ft/ adv. Naut. & Aeron. at or towards the stern or tail, [earlier baft] after /'a:fta(r)/ -prep. 1 following in time; later than (after a week). 2 in view of, in spite of (after what you did what

do you expect?; after all my efforts I still lost). 3 behind (shut the door after you). 4 in pursuit or quest of (run after them). 5 about, concerning (asked after her). 6 in allusion to (named after the prince). 7 in imitation of (a painting after Rubens). 8 next in importance to (best one after mine), -conj. later than (left after they arrived), -adv. 1 later (soon after). 2 behind (followed on after), -adj. 1 later, following (in after years). 2 Naut. nearer the stern (after cabins). after all in spite of everything (after all, what does it matter?), after one's own heart to one's taste. [Old English]

afterbirth n. placenta etc. discharged from the womb after childbirth. after-care n. attention after leaving hospital etc.

after-effect

n.

delayed effect following

an accident, trauma,

etc.

afterglow afterglow

its

source has disappeared. afterlife n. life after death.

aftermath

/'a:fta,maee/

n.

1

con-

sequences, esp. unpleasant {aftermath of war). 2 new grass growing after mowing, [from after, math mowing] afternoon /,a:fta'nu:n/ n. time from noon or lunch-time to evening. afterpains n.pl. pains caused by contraction of the womb after childbirth. afters n.pl. colloq. = dessert 1.

aftershave

lotion

n.

used

after

shaving.

aftertaste

n.

taste

after

eating

or

drinking.

afterthought added

thing thought of or

n.

later.

afterwards

/'a:ftawadz/ adv. (US afterlater, subsequently. [Old Engrelated to after, -ward] symb. silver. [Latin argentum] again a'gen adv. 1 another time; once more. 2 as previously (home again; well again). 3 in addition (as much again). 4 further, besides (again, what about you?). 5 on the other hand (/ might, and again and again again I might not), repeatedly. [Old English] against /a'genst/ prep. 1 in opposition to (fight against crime). 2 into collision or in contact with (lean against the wall). 3 to the disadvantage of (my age is against me). 4 in contrast to (against a dark background). 5 in anticipation of (against his coming; against the cold). 6 as a compensating factor to (income against expenditure). 7 in return for (issued against payment of the fee). against the grain see grain, against time see time, [from again, with in-

ward)

lish:

Ag

flectional

agape

mouthed, [from a

and

open-

2 ]

/'aegarik/ n.

stalk, e.g. the

fungus with a cap

common mushroom.

[Greek agarikon] 'aegat/ n. hard usu. streaked chalcedony. [Greek akhates] agave /a'geivi/ n. plant with rosettes of narrow spiny leaves and flowers on tall

agate

[Agave,

stem.

name

of a

woman

length of time that a person or thing has existed. 2 a colloq. (often in pi.) a long time (waited for ages), b distinct historical period (Bronze Age). 3 old age. -v. (ageing) 1 show or cause to

show old. 3

suffix

forming nouns denoting:

1

signs of advancing age. 2

mature.

adult status (esp. 21). [Latin aetas)

1

action (breakage). 2 condition (bondage). 3 aggregate or number (coverage; acreage). 4 cost (postage). 5 result (wreckage). 6 place or abode (anchorage; orphanage). [Latin -aticus] aged adj. 1 /eid3d/ (predic.) of the age of (aged 3). 2 /'eid3id/ old.

ageism

n.

prejudice or discrimination

on grounds of age. ageist adj. & n. ageless adj. 1 never growing or appearing old. 2 eternal. adj. existing for a very long time. agency /'eid3ansi/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 business or premises of an agent. 2 action; intervention (free agency; by the agency of God). [Latin: related to act] agenda /agenda/ n. (pi. -s) 1 list of items to be considered at a meeting. 2 things to be done.

agelong

agent

/'eid3(a)nt/ n. 1 a person who acts for another in business etc. b spy. 2

person or thing that exerts power or produces an effect.

agent provocateur

pra.vDka

/.a^d

agents provocateurs pronunc. same) person used to tempt 't3:(r)/

n.

(pi.

suspected offenders to self-incriminating action. [French, = provocative agent]

age of consent n. age at which consent to sexual intercourse is valid in law.

age-old

very long-standing.

adj.

agglomerate

-v.

(

ting) /a'gloma.reit/

collect into a mass. -n. /a'glDmarat/ mass, esp. of fused volcanic fragments.

-adj. /a'glomarat/ collected into a mass. agglomeration /-'reij"(a)n/ n. [Latin

glomus -meris agglutinate

ball] /a'glu:ti,neit/

v.

(

ting)

agglutination agglutinative /-nativ/

stick as with glue. n.

adj. [Latin: related to

gluten]

aggrandize

/a'graendaiz/ v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 increase the power, rank, or wealth of. 2 make seem greater.

aggrandizement /-dizmant/ [French: related to grand]

n.

aggravate /'aegra.veit/ v. (-ting) 1 make agworse or more serious. 2 annoy, gravation

/-'veij(a)n/ n. [Latin

gravis

heavy]

in

Greek mythology]

age -n.

-age

/-'neij*(a)n/

-s]

/a'geip/ predic. adj. gaping,

agaric

aggregate

15

glow remaining after

n.

grow

come of age reach Law at 18, formerly

Usage The

use of aggravate in sense regarded by some people as incorcommon in informal use. rect, but it is 2 is

aggregate -n. /'aegrigat/ 1 sum total, amount assembled. 2 crushed stone etc. used in making concrete. 3 rock formed of a

mass of

erals, -adj.

different particles or min/'aegrigat/

combined,

col-

lective, total, -v. /'aegn.geit/ (-ting) collect,

combine

1

into one mass. 2 colloq.

aggression amount

1

1

aggregation /-'geij(9)n/ aggregative /'aegri.geitiv/ adj. [Latin

grex greg- flock]

aggression voked

/a'grej\a)n/ n. 1 unproattacking or attack. 2 hostile or

destructive behaviour. [Latin gradior gress- walk]

aggressive aggression;

/a'gresiv/ adj. hostile.

2

1

given to

forceful,

self-

n aggressively adv. aggressor n. person or party that attacks without provocation. aggrieved /a'gri:vd/ adj. having a assertive,

grievance. [French: related to grief] /'aegrau/ n. slang 1 aggressive hostility. 2 trouble, difficulty, [abbreviation of aggravation or aggression]

aggro

aghast

/a'ga:st/ predic. adj. filled

dismay or consternation,

with

[past part, of

obsolete (a)gast frighten]

agile

quick-moving, agility /a'd3iliti/ n. [Latin agilis: related to act] agitate /'aed3i,teit/ v. (-ting) 1 disturb or excite (a person or feelings). 2 (often foil, by for, against) campaign, esp. politically (agitated for tax reform). 3 shake agitation /-'teij(a)n/ n. agitbriskly. ator n. [Latin agito: related to act] aglow /a'glau/ predic. adj. glow.ng. abbr. annual general meeting. agnail /'aegneil/ n. piece of torn skin at the root of a fingernail; resulting soreness. [Old English, = tight (metal) nail, hard excrescence in flesh] agnostic /aeg'nDstik/ -n. person who believes that the existence of God is not provable, -adj. of agnosticism. agnosticism /-,siz(a)m/ n. [from a-, gnostic] ago /a'gau/ adv. (prec. by duration) earlier, in the past, [originally agone = gone by] /'aed3ail/

adj.

nimble, active.

AGM

agog ant.

/a'gog/ predic. adj. eager, expect-

[French gogue fun]

agonize

/'aega.naiz/ v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 undergo (esp. mental) anguish; suffer or cause to suffer agony. 2 (as agonized adj.) expressing agony

(an agonized look).

agony

/'aegani/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 extreme mental or physical suffering. 2 severe struggle. [Greek agon struggle] agony aunt n. colloq. person (esp. a woman) who answers letters in an agony column.

agony column n. magazine to

colloq.

etc. offering

correspondents.

2

1

column

in a

personal advice

=

personal

column.

agoraphobia

agoraphobic

in the aggregate

as a whole. n.

aide

16

3 unite.

to.

&

adj.

n.

[Greek agora

market-place]

agrarian /a'grearian/-ad/'.

1 of the land or its cultivation. 2 of landed property. -n. advocate of the redistribution of

land. [Latin ager field]

agree

/a'gri:/ v. (-ees, -eed, -eeing) 1 hold the same opinion (J agree with you). 2 consent (agreed to go). 3 (often foil, by with) a become or be in harmony, b suit (fish didn't agree with him), c Gram, have the same number, gender, case, or person as. 4 reach agreement about (agreed a price). 5 (foil, by on) decide mutually on (agreed

on a compromise). be agreed be of one opinion. [Latin: related to ad-, gratus pleasing]

agreeable

adj. 1 pleasing, pleasant. 2

agreeably adv. act or state of agreeing. 2 arrangement or contract. agriculture /'a3gn,kAltJa(r)/ n. cultivation of the soil and rearing of animals. willing to agree.

agreement n.

1

agricultural agriculturalist [Latin ager field]

adj.

/-'kAltJar(a)l/

/-kAltJaralist/

n.

agrimony

/'aegnmani/ n. (pi. -ies) perennial plant with small yellow flowers.

[Greek argemone poppy]

agronomy

/a'grnnami/

n.

science of

management and crop production. agronomist n. [Greek agros land]

soil

aground on or on

/a'graund/ predic. adj. & adv. bottom of shallow water

to the

(run aground).

ague

ah

malarial fever. 2 [Latin: related to acute]

/'eigju:/ n. 1 hist,

shivering

fit.

abbr. in the year of the Hegira (ad Muslim era. [Latin anno

622); of the

Hegirae]

ah

int. expressing surprise, pleasI a: I ure, realization, etc. [French a] aha /a:'ha:/ int. expressing surprise, tri-

umph, mockery,

etc.

[from ah,

ha

1 ]

ahead

/a'hed/ adv. 1 further forward in space or time. 2 in the lead (ahead on points). /a'ham/ int. used to attract atten-

ahem

[from hem 2 ] Naut. call used in hailing, [from ah, hoy] AI abbr. 1 artificial insemination. 2 artition,

ahoy

gain time,

etc.

/a'hoi/ int.

ficial intelligence.

AID

abbr.

artificial

insemination by

donor. aid -n.

1 help. 2 person or thing that helps, -v. 1 help. 2 promote (sleep will aid recovery). in aid of 1 in support of. 2 colloq. for the purpose of (what's it all in aid of?). [Latin: related to ad-, juvo

help] /.aegara'faubia/ n. abnor-

mal fear of open spaces or public places.

aide

/eid/ n. 1

aide-de-camp. 2 esp.

assistant. [French]

US

aide-de-camp aide-de-camp /,eid da

ka/

-de-camp pronunc. same)

n. (pi.

aides-

officer assist-

ing a senior officer. [French]

Aids

(also

n.

AIDS) acquired immune

syndrome, an often fatal syndrome marked by severe loss

deficiency viral

of resistance to infection, [abbreviation] ail v. 1 archaic (only in 3rd person interrog. or indefinite constructions) trouble or afflict (what ails him?). 2 (usu. be ailing) be ill. [Old English]

aileron

/'eila.ron/ n. hinged flap on an aeroplane wing. [French aile wing] ailing adj. 1 ill. 2 in poor condition.

ailment

aim -v.

minor

n.

1

illness or disorder.

intend or

try;

attempt (aim at

winning; aim to win). 2 (usu. foil, by at) direct or point (a weapon, remark, etc.). 3 take aim. -n. 1 purpose or object. 2 the directing of a weapon etc. at an object. take aim direct a weapon etc. at a target. [Latin aestimare reckon]

aimless

adj.

without aim or purpose.

aimlessly adv. ain't /emt/ contr. colloq. not. 2 have or has not.

1

am,

is,

or are

Usage The use of ain't is usually regarded as unacceptable in spoken and written English.

air /ea(r)/ -n. 1 mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen surrounding the earth. 2 earth's atmosphere; open space in it; this as a place for flying aircraft. 3 a distinctive impression or manner (air of mystery), b (esp. in pi.) pretentiousness (gave himself airs). 4 tune. 5 light wind. -v. 1 expose (clothes, a room, etc.)

;

i

!

to fresh air or warmth to remove damp. 2 express and discuss publicly (an opinby air ion, question, grievance, etc.). by or in an aircraft, in the air 1 (of opinions etc.) prevalent. 2 (of plans etc.) uncertain, on (or off) the air being (or not being) broadcast. [Greek aer] airbase n. base for military aircraft. air-bed n. inflatable mattress, airborne adj. 1 transported by air. 2 (of aircraft) in the air after taking off. air-brick n. perforated brick used for n.

propr. short-haul passenger n.

RAF

officer of

Commodore

n.

RAF

officer

next

above Group Captain. air-conditioning n. 1 system for regu lating the humidity, ventilation, and temperature in a building. 2 apparatus for this.

of flight,

air-conditioned adj. same) machine capable esp. an aeroplane or helicopter. n. (pi.

crew of an

n.

aircraft.

n. 1 inflatable cushion. 2 layer of air supporting a hovercraft etc. Airedale /'eadeil/ n. large terrier of a rough-coated breed. [Airedale in York-

shire]

airer

stand for airing or drying

n.

clothes etc.

airfield

area with runway(s) for

n.

air-

craft.

air force

branch of the armed forces

n.

fighting in the air.

airgun

gun using compressed

n.

air to

fire pellets.

airhead

slang stupid or foolish per-

n.

son.

air hostess n. stewardess in a passenger aircraft. airless adj. stuffy; still, calm. air letter n. sheet of light paper forming a letter for sending by airmail. airlift -n. emergency transport of supplies etc. by air. - v. transport thus. airline n. public air transport system or company. airliner n. large passenger aircraft. airlock n. 1 stoppage of the flow by an air bubble in a pump or pipe. 2 compartment permitting movement between

areas at different pressures. n. 1 system of transporting mail by air. 2 mail carried by air. airman n. pilot or member of an aircraft crew, esp. in an air force. Air Marshal n. RAF officer of high rank, above Air Vice-Marshal.

airmail

airplane n. US = aeroplane. air pocket n. apparent vacuum causing an aircraft airport n.

drop suddenly. with facilities for

to

airfield

passengers and goods. n. attack by aircraft on ground

air raid targets.

air rifle

n. rifle

using compressed air to

fire pellets.

and graces n.pl.

affected manner, aircraft propeller, n. power-driven aircraft lighter

airscrew than

n.

air.

airsick

high rank, above Air Marshal.

aircraft

WRAF. aircrew

air-cushion

airship

aircraft.

Air Chief Marshal

Air

aircraft-carrier n. warship carrying and used as a base for aircraft. aircraftman n. lowest rank in the RAF. aircraftwoman n. lowest rank in the

airs

ventilation.

Airbus

air terminal

17

adj.

airspace subject to

air speed

n. its

nauseous from air travel, air above a country and jurisdiction,

n. aircraft's

speed relative to

the air.

airstrip n. strip of ground for the takeoff and landing of aircraft. air terminal n. building with transport to and from an airport.

airtight airtight adj. impermeable to air. air traffic controller n. official who controls air traffic by radio.

Air Vice-Marshal

n.

RAF

officer of

high rank, just below Air Marshal, airwaves n.pl. colloq. radio waves used in broadcasting.

airway

recognized route of aircraft. n. woman pilot or member of an aircraft crew, esp. in an air force. n.

airwoman

airworthy adj.

(of an aircraft) fit to fly. adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 well-ventilated,

airy

breezy. 2 flippant, superficial. 3 light as air. 4 ethereal, airily adv. airy-fairy adj. colloq. unrealistic, impractical. /ail/ n. 1 the part of a church on either side of the nave, divided from it by pillars. 2 passage between rows of pews, seats, etc. [Latin ala wing] aitch /eitJV n. the letter H. [French ache] aitchbone n. 1 rump bone of an animal. 2 cut of beef over this, [originally nachebone from Latin natis buttock] ajar /a'd3a:(r)/ adv. & predic.adj. (of a door) slightly open, [from a 2 obsolete char from Old English cerr a turn] Akela /a:'keila/ n. adult leader of Cub Scouts, [name of the leader of the wolfpack in Kipling's Jungle Book] akimbo /a'kimbau/ adv. (of the arms) with hands on the hips and elbows turned outwards, [originally in kene-

aisle

,

bowe, probably from Old Norse] /a'km/ predic. adj. 1 related by

akin

blood. 2 similar.

Al

symb. aluminium. 1

meaning

[Latin

a la

-alis]

I'se la:/

russe).

prep, in the

manner

of (a la

[French from A la mode]

alabaster

/'aela,ba:sta(r)/

-n. translu-

cent usu. white form of gypsum, used 1 of alabaster. 2 white or smooth. [Greek alabastros]

for carving etc. -adj.

/,ae la: 'ka:t/ adv. & adj. with individually priced dishes. [French] alacrity /a'laeknti/ n. briskness; cheerful readiness. [Latin alacer brisk] a la mode /,ae la: 'maud/ adv. & adj. in fashion; fashionable. [French] alarm /a'la:m/ -n. 1 warning of danger etc. 2 a warning sound or device, b = alarm clock. 3 apprehension (filled with alarm), -v. A frighten or disturb. 2

a la carte

warn.

alarming

alas

expressing grief, pity, or concern. [French: related to ah, Latin lassus weary] alb n. long white vestment worn by Christian priests. [Latin albus white] albatross /'aelba.tros/ n. 1 a longwinged, stout-bodied bird related to the petrel, b encumbrance. 2 Golf score of three strokes under par at any hole, /a'laes/ int.

[alteration of alcatras, from Spanish and Portuguese alcatraz from Arabic, = the jug] albeit /o:l'bi:it/ conj. literary though, [all

be

it]

albino /ael'bmau/

n. (pi -s) 1 person or animal lacking pigment in the skin and hair (which are white), and the eyes (usu. pink). 2 plant lacking normal col-

albinism

ouring.

/'aelbi,niz(a)m/ n.

[Spanish and Portuguese: related to alb] album /'aelbam/ n. 1 book for photographs, stamps, etc. 2 a long-playing gramophone record, b set of these. [Latin, = blank tablet, from albus white] albumen /'aelbjumm/ n. 1 egg-white. 2 substance found between the skin and germ of many seeds, usu. the edible part. [Latin: related to

album]

albumin

/'aelbjumm/ n. water-soluble protein found in egg-white, milk, blood, albuminous /aerbju:mmas/ adj. etc.

alchemy

/'aeikami/

n.

medieval

chemistry, esp. seeking to turn base alchemist n. [Armetals into gold. abic]

(also -ial) forming adjectives 'relating to, of the kind of (central; tidal; dictatorial). 2 forming nouns, esp. of verbal action (removal).

-al suffix

alder

18

adj.

alarmingly

adv. [Italian alVarme! to arms] alarm clock n. clock that rings at a set time. alarmist n. person stirring up alarm.

alcohol

/'aelka.hnl/ n. 1 (in full

alcohol)

mable

colourless

volatile

ethyl

inflam-

liquid, esp. as the intoxicant in

wine, beer, spirits, etc., and as a solvent, fuel, etc. 2 liquor containing this. 3 Chem. any of many organic compounds containing one or more hydroxyl groups attached to carbon atoms. [Arabic: related to kohl] /.aelka'hDlik/ -adj. of, like, containing, or caused by alcohol, -n.

alcoholic

person suffering from alcoholism.

alcoholism

/'aelkahD,liz(a)m/

dition resulting

from addiction

n.

con-

to alco-

hol.

alcove

/'aelkauv/ n. recess, esp. in the wall of a room. [Arabic, = the vault] /'aeldi.haid/ n. Chem. any of a class of compounds formed by the oxidation of alcohols, [from alcohol, de-,

aldehyde

hydrogen] al dente /ael 'denti, -tei/ adj. (of pasta etc.) cooked so as to be still firm when bitten. [Italian, = 'to the tooth'] alder /'o:lda(r)/ n. tree related to the birch. [Old English]

alderman /'o.ldaman/ n. esp. hist, coopted member of an English county or borough council, next in dignity to the mayor. [Old English aldor chief, man] ale n. beer. [Old English]

aleatory

/'eiliatari/ adj.

depending on

chance. [Latin alea die 2 ] alehouse n hist, tavern.

alembic

/a'lembik/

apparatus

A

technique

/,aelig'za:n

technique for controlling n. posture as an aid to well-being. [Alexanname of a physiotherapist] da(r)/

der,

alexandrine /,aelig'zaendram/-aG(/.

(of

a line of verse) having six iambic feet. -n. alexandrine line. [French Alexandre, title of a romance using this

metre] alfalfa /ael'faelfa/ n. clover-like plant used for fodder. [Arabic, = a green fodder]

alfresco /ael'freskau/ adv. & adj. in the open air. [Italian] alga /'aelga/ n. (pi. algae /-d3i:/) (usu. in pi.)

esp.

non-flowering stemless water-plant, seaweed and plankton. [Latin]

algebra

/'aeld3ibra/

branch

n.

of

mathematics that uses letters etc. to represent numbers and quantities, algebraic /-'brenk/ adj. [ultimately from Arabic al-jabr, = reunion of broken parts] Algol /'aelgDl/ n. high-level computer

programming language, [from algorithm), l(anguage)]

algorithm

/'aelga.rio^m/

n.

process or

used for calculation etc., esp. algorithmic computer.

set of rules

with

a

/-'ridmik/ adj. [Persian,

name

of a 9th-c.

mathematician al-Kuwarizml] alias /'eilias/ -adv. also named or known as. -n. assumed name. [Latin, = at another time] alibi

/'aeli.bai/ n. (pi. -s) 1

claim or proof

that one

was elsewhere when a crime

was

committed. 2 informal excuse.

etc.

[L atin,

= elsewhere]

use of alibi in sense 2 considered i ncorrect by some people.

Usage The

alienation /-'neij(a)n/ n. alight /a'lait/ predic. adj. 1 on fire. 2 lit up; excited, [on a light ( = lighted) fire] alight 2 /a'lait/ v. 1 (often foil, by from) descend from a vehicle. 2 come to earth, *

[Old English] v. 1 put or bring into line. 2 (usu. foil, by with) ally (oneself etc.) with (a cause, party, etc.). alignment settle.

align

/a'lam/

[French a ligne into

n.

line]

alike /a'laik/-ad/'. (usu. predic.) similar, like.

-adv. in a similar way.

alimentary

/.aeli'mentari/ adj.

of or

providing food or nourishment. [Latin alo nourish] alimentary canal n. passage along which food passes during digestion. alimony /'aelimani/ n. money payable to a spouse or former spouse after separation or divorce.

Usage In UK usage this term has been replaced by maintenance. aliphatic

/.aeli'faetik/ adj. Chem. of organic compounds in which carbon atoms form open chains, not aromatic

rings. [Greek aleiphar -phat- fat] /'aeli.kwnt/ -adj. (of a part or

aliquot

portion) contained by the whole an integral number of times (4 is an aliquot 12). -n. 1 aliquot part. 2 (in general use) any known fraction of a whole; sample. [Latin, = several] alive /a'laiv/ adj. (usu. predic.) 1 living. 2 lively, active. 3 (foil, by to) aware of; alert. 4 (foil, by with) swarming or teeming with. [Old English: related to

part of

a 2 life] alkali /'aelka.lai/ ,

n. (pi. -s) 1 a any of a class of substances that liberate hydroxide ions in water, usu. form caustic or corrosive solutions, turn litmus blue,

and have a pH of more than 7, e.g. caustic soda, b similar but weaker substance, e.g. sodium carbonate. 2 Chem. any substance that reacts with or neutalkaline adj. ralizes hydrogen ions, alkalinity /-'lmiti/ n. [Arabic, - the calcined ashes]

alkaloid /'aelka.bid/ n. nitrogenous organic compound of plant origin, e.g. morphine, quinine.

is

/'eilian/ -adj. 1 (often foil, by to) unfamiliar; unacceptable or repugnant. 2 foreign. 3 of beings from other worlds. -n. 1 foreign-born resident who is not

alien

naturalized. 2 a being from another world. [Latin alius other] alienable adj. Law able to be transferred to new ownership, alienate v. (-ting) 1 estrange, make hostile. 2 transfer ownership of. 1

n. 1 hist,

formerly used in distilling. 2 means of refining or extracting. [Greek ambix, -ikos cap of a still] alert /a'l3:t/ -adj. 1 watchful, vigilant. 2 nimble, attentive, -n. 1 warning call or alarm. 2 state or period of special vigilance, -v. (often foil, by to) warn. [French alerte from Italian alVerta to the watch-tower] level n. = advanced level.

Alexander

alkene

19

alderman

alkane

Chem. saturated hydrocarbon having the including general formula C n H 2n 2 methane and ethane. alkene /'aelki:n/ n. Chem. unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon containing a /'aelkem/ n.

aliphatic

,

,

alkyne

,

all /o:l/ —adj. 1 whole amount, quantity, or extent of {all day; all his life; take it all). 2 any whatever (beyond all doubt). 3 greatest possible (with all speed), -n. 1 all persons or things concerned; everything (all were present; all is lost). 2 (foil, by of) a the whole of (take all of it). b every one of (all of us), c colloq. as much as (all of six feet), d colloq. in a state of (all of a dither). 3 one's whole strength or resources (prec. by my, your, etc.). 4 (in games) each (two goals all), -adv. 1 a entirely, quite (was all in black), b as an intensifier (stop all this crying). 2 colloq. very (went all shy). 3 (foil, by the + compar.) to that, or the utmost, extent (if they go, all the better; made it all the worse). all along from the beginning, all and sundry everyone, all but very nearly, all for colloq. strongly in favour of. all found with board and lodging provided free, all in colloq. exhausted, all in all everything considered, all manner of every kind of. all of a sudden suddenly, all one (or the same) (usu. foil, by to) a matter of indifference, all out using all one's strength (also (with hyphen) attrib. all:

out

all-in

20

double bond and having the general formula C„H 2 „, including ethylene. alkyne /'aelkam/ n. Chem. unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon containing a triple bond and having the general formula C n H 2 „ 2 including acetylene.

over 1 completely finor on all parts of (mud all

effort), all

ished. 2 in over the car). 3 colloq. typically (you all over). 4 slang effusively attentive to (a person), all right (predic.) 1 satisfactory; safe and sound; in good condition. 2 satisfactorily (it worked out all right). 3 a expressing consent, b as an intensifier (that's the one all right), all round 1 in all respects. 2 for each person, all the same nevertheless, all there colloq. mentally alert or normal, all the time

(despite some contrary expectation etc.). all together all at once; all in one place or in a group (came

throughout

all together)

(cf.

altogether), all up

with hopeless

for (a person), at all (with neg. or interrog.) in any way; to any extent (did not swim at all; did you like it at all?), in all in total; altogether. [Old English]

Usage Note the differences in meaning between all together and altogether: see note at altogether.

all-clear

signal that danger etc.

n.

is

over.

all comers n.pl. anyone takes up a challenge, etc.

allegation

who

/.aeli'geiJXaJn/ n. 1

applies,

assertion,

unproved. 2 alleging. [Latin allego adduce] esp.

allege

/a'led3/

v.

(-ging)

declare, esp.

1

without proof. 2 advance as an argu-

ment or excuse. [Latin lis lit- lawsuit] allegedly /9'led3idli/ adv. as is alleged. allegiance /9'li:d3(a)ns/ n. 1 loyalty (to a person or cause etc.). 2 the duty of a subject. [French: related to liege]

allegory /'aeligari/ n. (pi. -ies) story whose moral is represented symbolallegorical /,aeli'gDrik(9)l/ adj. allegorize /'aeliga.raiz/ v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). [Greek allegoria other speaking] allegretto /.aeli'gretau/ Mus. -adv. & adj. in a fairly brisk tempo, -n. (pi. -s) such a passage or movement. [Italian, diminutive of allegro] allegro /a'legrau/ Mus. -adv. & adj. in a brisk tempo, -n. (pi. -s) such a passage ically.

or movement. [Italian, = lively]

alleluia I,

/,aeli'lu:ja/

heel- 1) -int.

(also

hallelujah

God be praised.-/!, song or

shout of praise to God. [Hebrew] /'aelan/ n. propr. spanner designed to turn an Allen screw. [Allen, name of the US manufacturer] Allen screw /'aelan/ n. propr. screw with a hexagonal socket in the head. allergic /a'l3:d3ik/ adj. 1 (foil, by to) a having an allergy to. b colloq. having a strong dislike for. 2 caused by an

Allen key

allergy.

allergy

/'aelad3i/ n. (pi. -ies) 1

adverse

reaction to certain substances, esp. particular foods, pollen, fur, or dust. 2 colloq. antipathy. [Greek alios other]

alleviate

/a'li:vi,eit/

v.

(-ting)

make

alleviation (pain etc.) less severe. /-'eij(a)n/ n. [Latin levo raise] alley /'aeli/ n. (pi. -s) 1 narrow street or passageway. 2 enclosure for skittles, bowling, etc. 3 walk or lane in a park etc. [French aller go] 1 union or agreecooperate, esp. of States by treaty or families by marriage. 2 (Alliance) political coalition party. 3 relationship; friendship. [French: related to ally] allied /'aelaid/ adj. 1 (also Allied) associated in an alliance. 2 connected or

alliance

ment

/a'laians/ n.

to

related.

Allah /'aela/ n. the Muslim and Arab name of God. [Arabic]

alligator

allay

broader and shorter than a crocodile's. [Spanish el lagarto the lizard] all-in attrib. adj. inclusive of all.

/a'lei/ v. 1 diminish (fear, suspicion, etc.). 2 alleviate (pain etc.). [Old English a- intensive prefix, lay 1 ]

/'aeli,geita(r)/ n. large reptile of the crocodile family with a head

wrestling

all-in

alliteration tion of the

/8,lit8'reiJ(a)n/ n.

same

sound

letter or

repetiat the

beginning of adjacent or closely connected words (e.g. cool, calm, and colalliterate /a'lita.reit/ v. lected), (-ting), alliterative /a'litarativ/ adj. [Latin: related to letter]

allocate /'aela.keit/ v. (-ting) (usu. foil, by to) assign or devote to (a purpose, place). allocation [Latin: related to local] allot ,/a'lDt/ v. (-tt-) apportion or distribute to (a person), esp. as a share or task

person, -

or

keij(3)n

n.

were allotted equal sums). [French a to, lot] n. 1 small piece of land rented by a local authority for cultiva-

{they

allotment

tion. 2 share. 3 allotting.

chemical

element,

allotropic

z

/.aele'tmpik adj. [Greek alios different,

tropos

allow infin.)

v.

(-ding) (foil, by to) refer to, esp. indirectly or briefly. [Latin: related to ad-, ludo play] allure /a'ljo^r)/ -v. (-ring) attract, charm, or entice, -n. attractiveness, personal charm, fascination, z allurement n. [French: related to ad-, lure] allusion /a'lu:3(a)n/ n. (often foil, by to) passing or indirect reference, z allusive /a'luisiv/ adj. [Latin: related to al-

lude] /a'huvial/ -adj. of alluvium. -n. alluvium, esp. containing a precious metal. alluvium /a'huviam/ n. (pi -via) deposit of usu. fine fertile soil left behind by a flood, esp. in a river valley. [Latin

alluvial

luo wash]

ally

-n. (pi. -ies) State, person, formally cooperating or united with another, esp. (also Ally) in war. -v. /'aelai/

also /a'lai/ (-ies, -ied) (often refl. and foil, by with) combine in alliance. [Latin alligo bind] Mater /.aelma 'ma:ta(r)/ n. one's university, school, or college. [Latin, =

Alma

manner] /a'lao/

allude /9'lu:d/ v.

etc.,

allotropy a'lotrapi n. existence of two or more different physical forms of a

along

21

all-in wrestling n. wrestling with few or no restrictions.

1

(often

foil,

by

permit. 2 assign a limited

to

+

amount

bounteous mother]

£500). 3 (usu. foil, by for) provide or set aside for a purpose; add or deduct in consideration (allow

almanac

£50 for expenses; allow for wastage). [originally = commend, from French: related to ad-, Latin laudo praise, loco

almighty

etc.

(was allowed

place]

allowance n.

1

amount or sum allowed,

esp. regularly for a stated purpose. 2 amount allowed in reckoning. 3 deduc-

tion or discount, z make allowances (often foil, by for) 1 consider (mitigating circumstances). 2 make excuses for (a

person, bad behaviour, etc.). /'aeloi/ -n. 1 mixture of two or more metals. 2 inferior metal mixed esp. with gold or silver, -v. 1 mix (metals). 2 debase by admixture. 3 moderate (pleasure alloyed with pain). [French: related to ally]

alloy

all-purpose

attrib. adj.

having

many

D:lma, naek/

n.

(also

al-

ical data,

[medieval Latin from Greek] /o:l'maiti/ adj.

plete power. 2 (the

1

having com-

Almighty) God. 3

slang very great (almighty crash). [Old English: related to all, mighty] almond /'a:mand/ n. 1 nutlike kernel of a fruit allied to the peach and plum. 2 tree bearing this. [Greek amugdale]

almoner

,"a:man8(r)/ n. social

worker

attached to a hospital. [French: related to ALMS]

Usage The usual term now is medical social worker.

almost nearly.

*

/'o:lmaust/ adv.

all

but; very

[Old English: related to all,

most]

alms of

donation hist, n.pl. /a:mz/ or food to the poor. [Greek

money

eleemosune pity]

uses.

all-right attrib. adj. (an all-right guy).

all-round

colloq. acceptable

attrib. adj. (of

a person) ver-

all-rounder n. versatile person. All Saints' Day n. 1 Nov., Christian festival in honour of saints. All Souls' Day n. 2 Nov., Roman Catholic festival with prayers for the souls of the dead.

allspice n. 1 aromatic spice obtained from the berry of the pimento plant. 2 the berryattrib. adj. (of a

unsurpassed.

almshouse

n.

hist,

charitable institu-

tion for the poor.

satile.

all-time

/'

manack) calendar, usu. with astronom-

record

etc.)

aloe /'aelau/ n. 1 plant of the lily family with toothed fleshy leaves. 2 (in pi.) (in full bitter aloes) strong laxative from aloe juice. [Old English from Greek] aloft a'loft predic. adj. &adv. 1 high up, overhead. 2 upwards. [Old Norse a lopti in air] adj. 1 without the presence or help of others. 2 lonely (felt [earlier exclusively, only, -adv. alone), al one: related to all, one] along /a'lDn/ -prep, beside or through (part of) the length of. -adv. 1 onward,

alone /a'laun/ —predic.

alongside into a

altruism

22

more advanced state (come along;

getting along nicely). 2 with oneself or others (bring a book along). 3 beside or through part or the whole length of a thing. along with in addition to; together with. [Old English, originally adj. = facing against] alongside /alon'said/ -acfo. at or to the side. -prep, close to the side of. aloof ,/a'lu:f/ -adj. distant, unsympathetic, -adv. away, apart (he kept aloof). [originally Naut, from a 2 + luff] aloud /a'laud/ adv. audibly. alp n. 1 a high mountain, b (the Alps) high range of mountains in Switzerland and adjoining countries. 2 pasture land

on a Swiss mountainside, [originally from Greek alpeis] /ael'paeka/ n. 1 shaggy S. Amer-

altercate /'o^ta.keit/ v. (-ting) (often foil, by with) dispute, wrangle. altercation /-'keij(9)n/ n. [Latin] alter ego /,D:ltar 'i:gau/ n. (pi. -s) 1 one's hidden or second

self.

2 intimate friend.

[Latin, = other self] alternate-u. /'o:lt9,neit/ (-ting) 1 (often foil, by with) occur or cause to occur by turns. 2 (foil, by between) go repeatedly from one to another (alternated between hope and fear), -adj. /D:l't3:nat/ 1 (with noun in pi.) every other (on alternate days). 2 (of things of two kinds) alternating (alternate joy and misery). alternately /-'t3:natli/ adv. alternation /-'neij(a)n/ n. [Latin alter no do by turns: related to alter]

alps,

Usage £ee no te

alpaca

ican mammal related to the llama. 2 its wool; fabric made from this. [Spanish

from Quechua]

alpha /'aelfa/ n. alphabet (A,

1

a).

first letter of the Greek 2 first-class mark for a

alpha and omega beginning and end. [Latin from Greek] piece of

work

alphabet

etc.

/'aelfa.bet/ n.

set of letters

1

used in writing a language. 2 symbols or signs for these. alphabetical /-'betik(9)l/ adj. [Greek alpha, beta]

alphanumeric

growing in mountainous regions. 2 = rock-plant. [Latin: related to alp] already /o:l'redi/ adv. 1 before the time in question (/ knew that already). 2 as early or as soon as this (is back already), [from all, ready] alright /ol'rait/ adv. = all right (see all).

Usage Although widely used, alright is still

non-standard and

incorrect by

Alsatian a

breed

German

many

is

considered

people.

/ael'seiJXa)n/ n.

of

wolfhound

shepherd).

large dog of (also called Alsatia

[Latin

adv. in addition, besides. [Old English: related to all, so 1 ] also-ran n. 1 loser in a race. 2 undis/'oilsao/

tinguished person.

altar

/'o:lta(r)/ n. 1 table or flat block for sacrifice or offering to a deity. 2 Communion table. [Latin altus high]

altarpiece n. painting behind an altar. alter

/'o:lta(r)/ v.

its

direction at regular

intervals.

alternative

/o:l't3:natrv/

-adj.

make

etc.

above or

or become

1

avail-

another choice (alternative route). 2 unconventional (alternative able

as

medicine), -h.

1

any of two or more (had no alternat-

possibilities. 2 choice

ive

but

alternatively adv.

to go)\.

Usage The

adjective alternative should not be confused with alternate, as in 'there will be a dance on alternate Saturdays'.

alternator

/'o:lta,neita(r)/

n.

dynamo

that generates an alternating current. Ixl'ddu/ conj. = though. [from all, though]

although

altimeter

/'aelti,mi:t8(r)/ n.

instrument

indicating altitude reached. altitude /'aelti tju:d/ n. height, esp. of an object above sea level or above the horizon. [Latin altus high] (

alto

/'aeltau/ n. (pi. -s) 1

= contralto.

2

adult male singing- voice, above tenor, b singer with this voice. 3 instrument pitched second- or thirdhighest in its family. [Italian alto (canto)

a

highest

high (singing)]

altogether /,o:lt9'geoa(r)/ adv.

Alsace]

also

rent reversing

/.aelfanjui'merik/ adj.

containing both letters and numbers. alpha particle n. helium nucleus emitted by a radioactive substance. alpine /'aelpam/ -adj. of mountainous regions or (Alpine) the Alps. -n. 1 plant

at alternative.

alternate angles n.pl two angles formed alternately on two sides of a line. alternating current n. electric cur-

1

totally,

completely. 2 on the whole. 3 in total. in the altogether colloq. naked. [from ALL, TOGETHER]

Usage Note that altogether means 'in whereas all together means 'all at 'all in one place'. The phrases rooms altogether (in total) and six rooms all together (in one place) illustotal',

once' or six

trate the difference. dif-

ferent; change. alteration /-'reij(a)n/ n. [Latin alter other]

altruism

/'aeltru:,iz(8)m/ n.

unselfish-

ness as a principle of action.

altruist

alum n.

/,aeltru:'istik/ adj. [Italian

somebody

altrui

alum

/'aelam/ n.

else]

double sulphate of alu-

minium and potassium.

[Latin

alumen

alumina

/a'lu:mma/ n. aluminium oxide occurring naturally as corundum

and emery.

aluminium /.aelju'mmiam/ n. (US aluminum /a'lu:minam/) silvery light and malleable metallic element resistant to tarnishing by air.

aluminize

/a'lu:mi,naiz/

v.

(also -ise)

(-zing or -sing) coat with aluminium. alumnus /a'lAmnas/ n. (pi. alumni /-nai/;/em. alumna, pi alumnae /-ni:/) former pupil or student. [Latin, = nursling, pupil]

always

/'a:lweiz/ adv. 1 at all times; on occasions. 2 whatever the circumstances. 3 repeatedly, often, [from all,

all

way]

alyssum

/'aelisam/ n. plant with small usu. yellow or white flowers. [Greek, =

curing madness]

Alzheimer's disease

/'aelts.haimaz/

brain disorder causing senility. [Alzheimer, name of a neurologist] abbr. amplitude modulation. n.

AM Am symb. americium.

am 1st person sing, present of be. a.m. abbr. before noon.

[Latin ante meri-

diem]

amalgam

/a'maelgam/ n. 1 mixture or blend. 2 alloy of mercury and another esp. in dentistry. [Greek used metal, malagma an emollient]

amalgamate

/a'maelga.meit/

(-ting)

v.

mix, unite. 2 (of metals) alloy amalgamation with mercury. /-'meij(a)n/ n. [medieval Latin: related 1

AMALGAM]

amanuensis

/a.maenjui'ensis/ n.

(pi.

-enses /-si:z/) literary assistant, esp. writing from dictation. [Latin a manu 'at hand'] amaranth /'aema.raenG/ n. 1 plant with small green, red, or purple tinted flowers. 2 imaginary unfading flower. amaranthine 3 purple colour. [Greek amarantos adj. /-'raen8am/ unfading] amaryllis /.aema'rilis/ n. bulbous plant with lily-like flowers. [Greek, a girl's

name]

amass

/a'maes/

cumulate.

MASS

amatory /'aematari/ adj. of sexual love. [Latin amo love] amaze /a'meiz/ v. (-zing) surprise greatly,

ment

-min-]

tO

ambulatory

23

altruistic

v.

heap together;

[French:

related

to

ac-

ad-,

n.

with wonder, z amaze-

fill

amazing

amase

adj. [earlier

from Old English amasod]

Amazon

/'aemaz(a)n/ n. 1 female warrior of a mythical race in the Black Sea area. 2 (amazon) large, strong, or athletic

woman.

adj. [Latin

Amazonian

/-'zaunian/

from Greek]

ambassador /aem'bsesada(r)/ n.

1

diplo-

mat sent

to live abroad to represent his or her country's interests. 2 promoter (ambassador of peace). ambassadorial /-'da:nal/ adj. [Latin ambactus servant] amber -n. 1 a yellow translucent fossilized resin used in jewellery, b colour of this. 2 yellow traffic-light meaning caution, —adj. of or like amber. [French from Arabic] ambergris /'aembagns/ n. waxlike secretion of the sperm whale, found floating in tropical seas and used in perfumes. [French, = grey amber]

ambidextrous

/.aembi'dekstras/

adj.

able to use either hand equally well. [Latin ambi- on both sides, dexter] ambience /'aembians/ n. surroundings or atmosphere. [Latin ambio go round]

ambient adj. surrounding. ambiguous /aem'bigjuas/ adj.

having

1

an obscure or double meaning.

2

diffi-

ambiguity /-'gju:iti/ cult to classify. n. (pi. -ies). [Latin ambi- both ways, ago drive] ambit /'aembit/ n. scope, extent, or bounds. [Latin: related to ambience] ambition /aem'biJXa)n/ n. 1 determination to succeed. 2 object of this. = related to canvassing: [Latin, ambience]

ambitious

adj.

1

ambition or or to + infin.)

full of

high aims. 2 (foil, by strongly determined.

of,

ambivalence /aem'bivalans/

n.

ent

adj.

[Latin

ambo

coexist-

ambival-

ence of opposing feelings,

both, equival-

ence]

move at an such a pace. [Latin

amble /'aemb(a)l/ -v. easy pace. -n. ambulo walk]

ambrosia

(-ling)

/aem'brauzia/ n.

(in clas-

1

mythology) the food of the gods. 2 sublimely delicious food etc. [Greek, = sical

elixir of life]

1

]

person who enamateur gages in a pursuit as a pastime rather than a profession, or performs with airiateurish adj. amalimited skill. /'aemata(r)/ n.

teurism n. [Latin amator lover: to amatory]

related

ambulance

/'aembjulans/

n.

1

vehicle

equipped for conveying patients to hospital. 2 mobile hospital serving an army. [Latin: related to amble]

ambulatory

/'aembjulatari/ -adj. 1 of or for walking. 2 movable, -n. (pi. -ies)

ambuscade arcade or

cloister.

related to

amble]

ambuscade

/.aemba'skeid/

&

n.

1

surprise attack

by persons hiding. 2 hiding-place for this. -v. attack from an ambush; waylay. [French: related to in- bush ] 1

1

,

ameliorate /a'mi:lia,reit/ v. (-ting) make or become better. ameliora/a mi:lia'reij\a)n/ n. (

ameliorative

[from ad-, Latin melior better] amen /a:'men/ int. (esp. at the end of a prayer etc.) so be it. [Church Latin from adj.

Hebrew, = certainly]

amenable /a'mi:nab(a)l/ adj. 1 responsive, docile. 2 (often foil, by to) answerable to law etc. [French: related to ad-, Latin mino drive animals] amend /a'mend/ v. 1 make minor alterations in to improve. 2 correct an error in (a document etc.). [Latin: related to

EMEND]

Usage Amend is often confused with emend, a more technical word used in the context of textual correction.

amendment n.

minor alteration or addition in a document, resolution, etc. amends n. make amends (often foil, by for) compensate (for).

amenity

/a'mi:niti/

n.

(pi.

-ies)

1

pleasant or useful feature or facility. 2 pleasantness (of a place etc.). [Latin amoenus pleasant] American /a'merikan/ -adj. of America, esp. the United States, -n. 1 native, citizen, or inhabitant of America, esp. the US. 2 English as used in the US. Americanize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing), [name of navigator Amerigo Vespucci]

American dream

n.

ideal of

demo-

cracy and prosperity.

American football n. football evolved from Rugby.

American Indian see Indian. Americanism n. word etc. of US origin /.aema'nsiam/ n. artificial radioactive metallic element. [America,

where

first

made]

& n. (also /-'rmdian/) = American Indian (see Indian). amethyst /'aemaBist/ n. semiprecious stone of a violet or purple variety of quartz. [Greek, = preventing drunkenness] Amharic /aem'haerik/ -n. official and commercial language of Ethiopia, -adj. of this language. [Amhara, region of /'aemarmd/ adj.

Amerindian

Ethiopia]

amiably

adv.

adj.

[Latin:

related

to

amicable

/'aemikab(a)l/ adj. (esp. of

an

arrangement, relations, etc.) friendly. adv. [Latin amicus friend] amid /a'mid/ prep, in the middle of,

amicably

among. [Old English: related to on, mid]

amidships adv.

in or into the middle of a ship, [from amid, alternative form midships] amidst var. of amid.

amine

/'eimi:n/ n. compound formed from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by an organic

radical or radicals. /a'mi:nau/ n. Biochem. any of a group of nitrogenous organic acids occurring naturally in plant and animal tissues and forming the basic constituents of proteins, [from amine, acid] amir var. of emir. amiss /a'mis/ —predic. adj. wrong, out of order, -adv. wrong(ly), inappropriately (everything went amiss). take amiss be offended by. [Old Norse a mis so as to miss] amity /'aemiti/ n. friendship. [Latin amicus friend]

amino acid

ammeter

/'aemita(r)/ n.

instrument for

measuring electric current in amperes. [from AMPERE, -METER] ammo /'aemau/ n. slang ammunition, [abbreviation] /a'maunia/ n. 1 pungent strongly alkaline gas. 2 (in general use) solution of ammonia in water, [as sal

ammonia

ammoniac]

ammonite

/'aema.nait/ n.

fossil shell. [Latin,

coil-shaped

= horn of Jupiter

Ammon] ammunition

/,a3mju'nij(a)n/ n. 1 supply of bullets, shells, grenades, etc. 2 information usable in an argument. [French la munition taken as I'ammu-] amnesia /aem'ni:zia/ n. loss of memory. amnesiac /-zi.aek/ n. [Latin from

Greek]

or usage.

americium

Amerind

(esp. of a person) friendly and pleasant, likeable.

/'eimiab(a)l/

AMICABLE]

ambush /'aembuJV —n.

tion

amiable

v.

= AMBUSH.

(-ding)

amoeba

24 [Latin:

amnesty general

/'aemnisti/

-n.

(pi.

-ies)

pardon,

for political esp. offences, -v, (-ies, -ied) grant an amoblivion] amnestia to. [Greek nesty amniocentesis /,aemniausen'ti:sis/ n. (pi.

-teses

/-si:z/)

sampling of amniotic

fluid to detect foetal abnormality, [from

amnion, Greek kentesis pricking]

amnion /'aemman/ n. (pi. amnia) innermost membrane enclosing an embryo. amniotic /-'Dtik/ adj. [Greek, = caul]

amoeba /a'mi:ba/ n.

(pi. -s) microscopic aquatic amorphous one-celled organamoebic adj. [Greek, = change] ism.

amok

anabolism

25

amok

/a'mDk/ adv. run amok (or amuck) run wild. [Malay] among /a'mAn/ prep, (also amongst) 1 surrounded by, with (lived among the trees; be among friends). 2 included in (among us were dissidents). 3 in the category of (among his best works). 4 a between; shared by (divide it among you), b from the joint resources of (among us we can manage it). 5 with one another (talked among themselves). [Old English, = in a crowd]

amphora

amoral

amplify

/ei'mDr(a)l/

adj.

beyond

1

morality. 2 without moral principles. amorous /'aemaras/ adj. of, showing, or feeling sexual love. [Latin amor love] amorphous /a'moifas/ adj. 1 of no definite shape. 2 vague. 3 Mineral. & Chem. non-crystalline. [Greek a- not, morphe

form] v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) gradually extinguish (a debt) by regular instalments. [Latin ad mortem to death] amount /a'maunt/ -n. quantity, esp. a total in number, size, value, extent, etc. -v. (foil, by to) be equivalent to in number, significance, etc. [Latin ad

montem upward]

amour

/8'mua(r)/ n. (esp. secret) love [French, = love] amour propre /ae.mua 'propr/ n. selfrespect. [French] n. ampere, [abbreviation] 2 n. colloq. amplifier, [abbreviation] affair.

1

ampelopsis /.aempi'lopsis/ n.

(pi same)

climbing plant related to the vine. [Greek ampelos vine, opsis appearance] amperage /'aemp8nd3/ n. strength of an electric current in amperes, ampere /'aempe8(r)/ n. SI base unit of electric current. [Ampere, name of a physicist]

ampersand '&'

/'aempa.saend/

n.

the sign

(= and), [corruption of and per se

and]

amphetamine

/aem'feta.miin/ n. syn-

drug used esp. as a stimulant, [abbreviation of chemical name]

thetic

amphibian /aem'fibian/ -adj. of a class of vertebrates (e.g. frogs) with an aquatic larval stage followed by a terrestrial adult stage, -n. 1 vertebrate of this both on land and in water. [Greek amphi- both, class. 2 vehicle able to operate

bios

life]

adj. 1 living or operating in water. 2 involving mil-

amphibious on land and

amplifier

/'aempli,faia(r)/ n. electronic

device for increasing the strength of electrical signals, esp. for conversion into sound. /'aempli.fai/

v.

-ied)

(-ies,

1

increase the strength of (sound, elec-

add detail to, examplification

trical signals, etc.). 2

pand

(a story etc.). ,

related to ample]

/-fi'keij (9)n/ n. [Latin:

amplitude

imum

/'aempli,rju:d/

n.

1

max-

departure from average of an

alternating current, etc. 2 spaciousness; abundance^ [Latin: related to ample] oscillation,

amortize /a'moitaiz/

amp amp

/'aemfara/ n. (pi. -phorae narrow-necked Greek or Roman with two handles. [Greek amphoreus] ample /'a3mp(a)l/ adj. (ampler, amplest) 1 a plentiful, abundant, extensive, b euphem. large, stout. 2 more than enough. amply adv. [Latin amplus] /-,ri:/)

vessel

itary forces landed

amphitheatre

from the

sea.

/'aemft.eiatafr)/ n. esp.

circular unroofed building with tiers of seats surrounding a central space. [Greek amphi- round]

amplitude modulation tion of a tude.

wave by

n.

modula-

variation of its ampli-

ampoule /'aempu:l/ n.

small sealed capsule holding a solution for injection. [French: related to ampulla] ampulla /aem'pula/ n. (pi. -pullae /-li:/) 1 Roman globular flask with two handles. 2 ecclesiastical vessel. [Latin] amputate /'aempju.teit/ v. (-ting) cut off amputation surgically (a limb etc.). /-'teij(a)n/ n. amputee /-'ti:/ n. [Latin amb- about, puto prune] amuck var. of amok.

amulet

/'aemjulit/

against

evil. [Latin]

n.

charm

worn

amuse

/a'mju:z/ v. (-sing) 1 cause to laugh or smile. 2 interest or occupy. amusing adj. [French a cause to, muser stare]

amusement

n. 1 thing that amuses. 2 being amused. 3 mechanical device (e.g. a roundabout) for entertainment at a fairground etc. amusement arcade n. indoor area with slot-machines,

an

1

see a an- see a-. -an suffix (also -ian) forming adjectives and nouns, esp. from names of places, systems, classes, etc. (Mexican; An.

glican; crustacean). [French -ain, Latin

anus]

Anabaptist

/.aena'baeptist/ n.

member

of a religious group believing in baptism only of adults. [Greek ana again] anabolic steroid /.aena'bDhk/ n. synthetic steroid hormone used to increase

muscle

size.

anabolism

/8'naeb8,liz(9)m/

n.

syn-

complex molecules in living organisms from simpler ones together thesis of

anachronism bole ascent]

anachronism

/a'naekra,niz(a)m/ n. 1 a attribution of a custom, event, etc., to the wrong period, b thing thus attributed. 2 out-of-date person or thing, n

anachronistic

/-'nistik/

adj.

[Greek

/.aena'konda/ n. large nonpoisonous snake killing its prey by constriction. [Sinhalese]

anaemia /a'ni:mia/ n. (US anemia) deficiency of red blood cells or their haemoglobin, causing pallor and weariness. [Greek, = want of blood] 1

/a'ni:mik/ adj.

(US anemic)

of or suffering from anaemia. 2 pale,

analyst (esp.

/'aenalist/ n. 1 person skilled in chemical or computer) analysis.

2 psychoanalyst. /,aena'litik(a)l/

adj.

(also

analytic) of or using analysis. analyze US var. of analyse. anapaest /'aena,pi:st/ n. metrical foot consisting of two short syllables followed by one long syllable (uu-). [Greek anapaistos reversed (dactyl)]

anarchism

/'aena,kiz(a)m/ n. political

theory that all government and laws should be abolished. [French: related to

ANARCHY]

listless.

anaesthesia

/

(

asnis'8i:zia/ n.

(t/5anes-)

absence of sensation, esp. artificially induced before surgery. [Greek]

anaesthetic

/.aenis'Getik/ (US anes-) -n. substance producing anaesthesia. -adj. producing anaesthesia. anaesthetist /a'ni:s0atist/ n. (US anes-) specialist in the administration of an-

aesthetics.

anaesthetize

(US -ise) (-zing or -sing) admin/a'ni:s8a,taiz/

anes-) (also ister an anaesthetic

anagram

v.

to.

n. word or transposing the letters of another. [Greek ana again,

/'aena.graem/

phrase

formed

gramma

letter]

by

anal /'ein(a)l/ adj. of the anus. analgesia /,aenard3i:zia/ n. absence

or

relief of pain. [Greek]

analgesic -adj.

relieving pain. -n. analgesic drug. analog US var. of analogue. analogize /a'naela,d3aiz/ v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) use, or represent or explain by, analogy. analogous /a'naelagas/ adj. (usu. foil, by to) partially similar or parallel.

[Greek analogos proportionate] / 'aena.mg/ n. (US analog) 1 (attrib.) (usu. analog) (of a computer etc.) using physical variables, e.g. voltage, to represent

analogue

analogous thing. 2

numbers

(cf.

digital).

analogy /a'naelad3i/ n.

(pi. -ies) 1

corres-

pondence; partial similarity. 2 arguing or reasoning from parallel cases.

analogical

/,aena'lDd3ik(a)l/

adj.

[Greek analogia proportion]

analyse

2 Chem. determination of the constituent parts of a mixture or compound. 3 psychoanalysis. [Greek ana up, luo loose] this.

analytical

ana- against, khronos time]

anaconda

anaemic

anchovy

26

with the storage of energy. [Greek ana-

/'aena.laiz/

(US analyze) examine in detail; v.

(-sing or -zing) 1 ascertain the constituents of (a substance, sentence, etc.). 2 psychoanalyse. analysis /a'naelisis/ n. (pi. -lyses /-,si:z/) 1 a detailed examination of elements or structure, b statement of the result of

anarchist

anarchy

/'aenakist/ n.

advocate of an-

anarchistic

archism.

/-'kistik/ adj.

/'aenaki/ n. disorder, esp. polit-

anarchic

/a'na:kik/ adj. [Greek an- without, arkhe rule] ical.

anathema

/a'naeeama/ n. (pi. -s) 1 detested thing (is anathema to me). 2 ecclesiastical curse. [Greek, = thing

devoted

(i.e.

to evil)] v. (also -ise) (-zing or

anathematize

-sing) curse. /a'naetami/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 science of animal or plant structure. 2 such anatomical a structure. 3 analysis.

anatomy

/,aena'tDmik(a)l/

adj.

anatomist

n.

[Greek ana- up, temno cut] anatto var. of annatto. abbr. African National Congress. -ance suffix forming nouns expressing: 1 quality or state or an instance of one (arrogance; resemblance). 2 action (assistance). [French -ance, Latin -antia]

ANC

ancestor

/'aensesta(r)/ n.

imal, or plant

1

person, an-

from which another has

descended or evolved. 2 prototype or forerunner. [Latin ante- before, cedo go] /aen'sestr(a)l/ adj. belonging to or inherited from one's ancestors.

ancestral

ancestry 1

/'aensestri/

n.

(pi.

-ies)

family descent, lineage. 2 ancestors

collectively.

anchor

/'aerjka(r)/ -n. 1 heavy metal weight used to moor a ship or a balloon. 2 stabilizing thing, -v. 1 secure with an anchor. 2 fix firmly. 3 cast anchor. 4 be moored by an anchor. [Greek agkura] anchorage n. 1 place for anchoring. 2 anchoring or lying at anchor.

anchorite

/'aerjka.rait/ n. hermit; religious recluse. [Greek anakhoreo retire] n. coordinator, esp. as compere in a broadcast. anchovy /'aentjavi/ n. (pi -ies) small strong-flavoured fish of the herring and Portuguese [Spanish family.

anchorman

anchova]

ancien regime ancien regime

{pi

anciens regimes pronunc. same) 1 political and social system of pre-Revolutionary (before 1787) France. 2 any superseded regime. [French, = old rulel

ancient

/'emj(a)nt/ adj.

of long ago,

1

esp. before the fall of the Roman Empire in the West. 2 having lived or existed long. the ancients people of ancient

times, esp. the Greeks and Romans. [Latin ante before] ancillary /aen'silari/ -adj. 1 (esp. of health workers) providing essential support. 2 (often foil, by to) subordinate, subservient, -n. {pi -ies) 1 ancillary worker. 2 auxiliary or accessory. [Latin ancilla handmaid]

-ancy

suffix forming nouns denoting a quality {constancy) or state {infancy). [Latin -antia] and /send, and/ conj. 1 a connecting words, clauses, or sentences, to be taken jointly {you and I). b implying progression {better and better), c implying causation {she hit him and he cried), d implying great duration {cried and cried), e implying a great number {miles and miles), f implying addition {two and two), g implying variety {there are books and books). 2 colloq. to {try and come). 3 in relation to {Britain and the EC). and/or either or both of two stated alternatives. [Old English]

andante

/aen'daenti/

Mus. -adv.

&

adj.

in a moderately slow tempo, -n. such a passage or movement. [Italian, = going]

andiron (usu. one

/'aend.aian/ n. metal stand of a pair) for supporting logs in

a fireplace. [French andier]

androgynous

/aen'drDd3inas/

adj.

hermaphrodite. 2 Bot. with stamens and pistils in the same flower. [Greek aner andr- man, gune woman] android /'aendraid/ n. robot with a human appearance. [Greek aner andr1

man,

-oid]

anecdote

short, esp. /'aenik.daut/ n anecdotal account or story. /-'daut(a)l/ adj. [Greek anekdota things unpublished] anemia US var. of anaemia. anemic US var. of anaemic. .

true,

1

anemometer

/,aeni'mDmita(r)/

instrument for measuring wind [Greek anemos wind]

anemone

Anglicize

27

/a.sjse re'3i:m/ n.

/a'nemani/

n.

n.

force.

plant of the

buttercup family, with vividly-coloured flowers. [Greek, = wind-flower] aneroid /'aena.roid/ -adj; (of a barometer) measuring air-pressure by its action on the lid of a box containing a vacuum, -n. aneroid barometer. [Greek a- not, neros water]

anesthesia etc. US var.

of anaesthesia

etc.

aneurysm

/'aenju.nz^m/

n.

(also

aneurism) excessive localized enlargement of an artery. [Greek aneuruno widen]

anew

/a'nju:/ adv. 1 again. 2 in a ferent way. [earlier of newe]

angel

dif-

a attendant or messenger of God. b representation of this in human form .with wings. 2 virtuous or obliging person. 3 slang financial backer of a play etc. [Greek aggelos messenger] /'emd3(a)l/ n.

1

angel cake

n. light sponge cake, n. fish with winglike fins, /aen'd3elik/ adj. of or like an

angel-fish

angelic

angelically adv. /aen'd3elika/ n. aromatic plant candied stalks, [medieval Latin, =

angel.

angelica

or its angelic (herb)]

/'aend3ilas/ n. 1 Roman Cathprayers commemorating the Incarnation, said at morning, noon, and

angelus olic

sunset. 2 bell announcing this. [Latin Angelus domini (= the angel of the Lord), opening words] anger /'aerjga(r)/ -n. extreme or

displeasure, -v. make passionate angry. [Old Norse angr grief] /aen'd3ama/ n. (in full angina pectoris /'pektans/) chest pain brought on by exertion, caused by an inadequate blood supply to the heart. [Greek agk-

angina

hone strangling]

angiosperm

/'aend3ia,sp3:m/ n. plant

producing flowers and reproducing by seeds enclosed within a carpel, including herbaceous plants, grasses, and most trees. [Greek aggeion vessel] Angle /'aerjg(a)l/ n. (usu. in pi) member of a N. German tribe that settled in E. Britain in the 5th c. [Latin Anglus, from the name Angul in Germany] angle 1 /'aeng(a)l/ -n. 1 space between two meeting lines or surfaces, esp. as measured in degrees. 2 corner. 3 point of view. -v. (-ling) 1 move or place obliquely. 2 present (information) in a biased way. [Latin angulus] angle 2 /'aerig(a)l/ v. (-ling) 1 fish with hook and line. 2 (foil, by for) seek an objective indirectly {angled for a loan). angler n. [Old English] Anglican /'aenglikan/ -adj. of the Church of England, -n. member of the

Anglicanism Anglican Church. [Latin Anglicanus: related to Angle]

n.

Anglicism

pecu/'aerjgli,siz(a)m/ n. liarly English word or custom. [Latin Anglicus: related to Angle]

Anglicize

/'aengli.saiz/

(-zing or -sing) acter etc.

v.

(also -ise) in char-

make English

AngloAnglo- comb, form

English. 2 of English origin. 3 English or British and. [Latin: related to Angle] 1

Anglo-Catholic /.aenglau'kaeealik/ -adj. of a High Church Anglican wing emphasizing

its

Catholic tradition, -n.

member of this group. Anglo-French /.aenglau'frentJV

-adj. English (or British) and French, -n. French language as developed in England after the Norman Conquest. Anglo-Indian /.aenglau'mdian/ -adj. 1 of England and India. 2 of British descent but Indian residence, —n. AngloIndian person.

Anglo-Norman

/.aenglautoman/

-adj. English and Norman, -n. Norman dialect used in England after the Nor-

man

Conquest.

Anglophile /'aenglau.fail/ n. person who greatly admires England or the English.

Anglo-Saxon /,aerjglau'saeks(a)n/ -adj. 1

of the English Saxons before the

Norman Conquest. 2 of English descent. Anglo-Saxon person. 2 Old Eng3 colloq. plain (esp. crude) English. angora /aen'go:ra/ n. 1 fabric or wool from the hair of the angora goat or rabbit. 2 long-haired variety of cat, goat, or rabbit. [Angora ( = Ankara) in Turkey] -n.

annex

28

1

lish.

animal

/'aenim(a)l/ -n. 1 living organism, esp. other than man, which feeds

and usu. has sense-organs and a nervous system and can move quickly. 2 brutish person, -adj. 1 of or like an animal. 2 bestial; carnal. [Latin animalis having breath] n. 1 nature and activity of animals. 2 belief that humans are mere animals. animality /.aeni'maeliti/ n. 1 the animal world. 2 animal behaviour,

animalism

animalize

/'aenima.laiz/

v.

(also -ise)

(-zing or -sing) make (a person) bestial, sensualize. animate -adj. /'aenimat/ 1 having life. 2 lively, -v. /'aeni.meit/ (-ting) 1 enliven. 2 give life to. [Latin anima breath]

animated

/'aeni.meitid/ adj.

lively,

1

vigorous. 2 having life. 3 (of a film etc.) using animation. animation /,aeni'meiKa)n/ n. 1 vivacity, ardour. 2 being alive. 3 technique of producing a moving picture from a sequence of drawings or puppet poses etc.

animism

/'aeni miz(a)m/ n. belief that inanimate and natural phenomena have souls. animist n. animistic (

/-'mistik/ adj.

'

angostura bitter

tura

(

/.aenga'srjuara/ n. aromatic bark used as a flavouring. [Angos= Ciudad Bolivar) in Venezuela]

angry /'aengri/ adj.

(-ier, -iest) 1 feeling,

showing, or suggesting anger (angry sky). 2 (of a ful.

angst guilt,

wound

etc.)

inflamed, pain-

angrily adv. /aenst/ n. anxiety, neurotic fear;

remorse. [German]

angstrom

/'aengjula(r)/

adj.

1

having

sharp corners or (of a person) features. 2 forming an angle. 3 measured by angle angularity (angular distance). 1 /-'laenti/ n. [Latin: related to angle ] anhydrous /aen'haidras/ adj. Chem. without water, esp. water of crystallization. [Greek an- without, hudor water] aniline /'aeni,li:n/ n. colourless oily liquid used in making dyes, drugs, and plastics. [German Anil indigo, former source]

animadvert

/.aeni'mDsiti/

n.

(pi.

-ies)

or feeling of hostility. [Latin: related to animus] animus /'aenimas/ n. animosity, ill feelspirit

ing. [Latin, = spirit, mind] /'aen.aian/ n. negatively charged anionic /-'nnik/ adj. [Greek ana ion.

anion

up, ion]

anise

/'aenis/

n.

plant with aromatic

seeds. [Greek anison]

aniseed

/'aeni,si:d/ n.

seed of the anise,

used for flavouring.

/'aenstram/ n. unit of length

equal to 10" 10 metre. [Angstrom, name of a physicist] anguish /'aengwiJV n. 1 severe mental anguished suffering. 2 pain, agony. adj. [Latin angustia tightness]

angular

animosity

ankle

/'aenk(a)l/ n.

1

joint connecting

the foot with the leg. 2 this part of the leg. [Old Norse] anklet /'aenklit/ n. ornament or fetter worn round the ankle, ankylosis /.aepki'lausis/ n. stiffening of a joint by fusion of the bones. [Greek agkulos crooked] annals /'aen(a)lz/ n.pl. 1 narrative of events year by year. 2 historical reannalist n. [Latin annus year] cords.

annatto

/a'naetau/ n. (also anatto) orange-red dye from the pulp of a tropical fruit, used for colouring foods. [Carib name of the fruit-tree] anneal /a'ni:l/ v. heat (metal or glass)

and cool slowly,

esp. to

toughen

it.

[Old

English selan bake] /,aenimaed'v3:t/

v. (foil,

by

animon) literary criticize, censure. adversion n. [Latin animus mind, adverse]

segmented worm, e.g. the earthworm. [Latin anulus ring] annex /ae'neks/ v. 1 (often foil, by to) add

annelid

/'aenalid/ n.

as a subordinate part. 2 incorporate

annexe own. 3 add as

a condition or consequence. 4 colloq. take without right. annexation /-'seij(a)n/ n. [Latin necto bind] annexe /'aeneks/ n. 1 separate or added building. 2 addition to a document.

annihilate

/a'naia.leit/ v. (-ting) completely destroy or defeat. annihilation /-'leij(9)n/ n. [Latin nihil nothing]

anniversary

/.aeni'vaisari/ n. (pi. -ies)

1 date of an event in a previous year. 2 celebration of this. [Latin annus year, verto vers- turn] Domini /.aenau 'dDmi.nai/ adv. years after Christ's birth. [Latin, = in the year of the Lord]

Anno

annotate

/'aena.teit/

explanatory notes

v.

to.

(-ting) add annotation

[Latin nota mark] announce /a'nauns/ v. (-cing) 1 make publicly known. 2 make known the arrival or imminence of (a guest, dinner, etc.). 3 be a sign of. announcement n. [Latin nuntius messenger] /-'teij(9)n/ n.

announcer

n.

person

who announces,

esp. in broadcasting.

annoy

/a'noi/

v.

1

(often in passive)

anger or distress slightly (am annoyed with you). 2 molest, harass.

annoyance

[Latin in odio hateful] annual /'aenjual/ -adj. 1 reckoned by the year. 2 occurring yearly. 3 living or lasting (only) a year. -n. 1 book etc. published yearly. 2 plant that lives only annually adv. [Latin annus a year. year] annualized adj. (of rates of interest etc.) calculated on an annual basis, as a projection from figures obtained for a shorter period.

annuity

n.

/a'nju:iti/ n. (pi. -ies) 1

yearly

grant or allowance. 2 investment yielding a fixed annual sum. annul /a'nAl/ v. (-11-) 1 declare invalid. 2 cancel, abolish.

annulment n.

[Latin

nullus none]

annular

/'aenjula(r)/ adj.

ring-shaped.

[Latin anulus ring]

annular eclipse

solar eclipse in

/a.nAnsi'eiJXa)!*/

n.

1

announcement, esp. (Annunciation) that made by the angel Gabriel to Mary. 2 festival of this. [Latin: related to an-

nounce]

anode an

-adj. 1 painrelieving. 2 mentally soothing, -n. anodyne drug etc. [Greek an- without, odune pain] anoint /a'namt/ v. 1 apply oil or ointment to, esp. ritually. 2 (usu. foil, by with) smear. [Latin inungo anoint] anomalous /a'nomalas/ adj. irregular, deviant, abnormal. [Greek an- not, /'aena.dain/

homalos even]

anomaly /a'nmnali/ n. (pi -ies) anomalous thing; irregularity. archaic soon, shortly. [Old English on an into one]

anon /a'nmi/ adv. anon,

/a'non/ abbr.

/'aenaud/ n. positive electrode in electrolytic cell etc. [Greek anodos

/'aena.daiz/ v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) coat (metal) with a protective layer by electrolysis.

anonymous.

anonymous

/a'nmiimas/ adj. 1 of or authorship. 2 without character; featureless. anonymity /.aena'nimiti/ n. [Greek anwithout, onoma name] anorak /'aena.raek/ n. waterproof usu.

unknown name

hooded jacket. [Eskimo]

anorexia

/.aena'reksia/ n. lack of ap-

anorexia nervosa an obsessive desire to lose

petite, esp. (in full

/n3:'vausa/)

weight by refusing to eat. anorexic adj. & n. [Greek an- without, orexis appetite]

another

/a'nAoa(r)/ -adj.

1

an

addi-

one more (another cake). 2 person like (another Hitler). 3 a different (another matter). 4 some other (another man's work), -pron. additional, other, or different person or thing, [earlier an tional;

other]

answer /'a:nsa(r)/ -n.

1

something said

or done in reaction to a question, statement, or circumstance. 2 solution to a problem, -v. 1 make an answer or re-

sponse (to) (answer the door). 2 suit (a purpose or need). 3 (foil, by to, for) be responsible (you will answer to me for your conduct). 4 (foil, by to) correspond,

answer back esp. to a description. answer insolently. [Old English, = swear against (a charge)] answerable adj. 1 (usu. foil, by to, for) responsible (answerable to them for accident). 2 that

can be answered.

answering machine n.

tape recorder

which answers telephone

calls

and

takes messages.

answerphone

or formed of rings.

annunciation

anodyne

any n.

which a ring of light remains visible. annulate /'aenjulat/ adj. marked with

way up] anodize

antacid

29

(territory) into one's

n.

=

answering ma-

chine.

ant

n. small usu. wingless insect living in complex social colonies and proverbial for industry. [Old English]

1 forming adjectives denoting attribution of an action (repentant) or state (arrogant). 2 forming agent nouns (assistant). [Latin -ant-, present participial stem of verbs] antacid /aent'aesid/ -adj. preventing or correcting acidity, -n. antacid agent.

-ant suffix

antagonism /aen'taega.niz^m/ n. active hostility. [French: related to agony] antagonist n. opponent or adversary,

antagonistic

/-'nistik/ adj.

antagonize /asn'taega.naiz/ v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make hostile; provoke. Antarctic /aenfa:ktik/ -adj. of the south polar regions, -n. this region. [Latin: related to Arctic]

Antarctic Circle n.

parallel of latitude

forming an imaginary line

66° 32' S.,

round the Antarctic region.

ante

stake put up by a player in poker etc. before receiving cards. 2 amount payable in advance. -v. (-tes, -ted) 1 put up as an ante. 2 US a bet, stake, b (foil, by up) pay. ante- prefix before, preceding. [Latin, = /'aenti/

-n.

1

before] n. any of various mammals feeding on ants and termites. antecedent /,aenti'si:d(a)nt/ -n. 1 preceding thing or circumstance. 2 Gram. word or phrase etc. to which another word (esp. a relative pronoun) refers. 3 (in pi.) person's past history or ancestors, —adj. previous. [Latin cedo go]

anteater

antechamber

/'aenti,tjeimba(r)/

n.

ante-room.

antedate /.aenti'deit/ v. in time. 2 assign

date

(-ting) 1 precede earlier than actual

an

to.

antediluvian

/,39ntidi'lu:vian/ adj. 1 of the time before the Flood. 2 colloq. very old or out of date, [from ante-, Latin diluvium deluge] antelope /'aenti.laup/ n. (pi. same or -s) swift-moving deerlike ruminant, e.g. the gazelle and gnu. [Greek antholops] antenatal /,aenti'neit(a)l/ adj. 1 before

pregnancy, /aen'tena/ n. 1 (pi. -tennae each of a pair of feelers on the

birth. 2 of

antenna /-ni:/)

heads of insects, crustaceans, etc. 2 -s) = aerial n. [Latin, = sail-yard]

antepenultimate adj. last

(pi.

/.aentipi'nAltimat/

but two.

ante-post /.aenti'paust/ adj. (of betting) done at odds determined at the time of betting, in advance of the event con1 cerned, [from ANTE-, POST ] 1 nearer the

anterior /aen'tiaria(r)/ adj. front. 2 (often foil,

by

[Latin

to) prior.

from ante before]

ante-room

/'aenti,ru:m/ n. small

room

anthem

/'aen6am/ n. 1 elaborate choral composition usu. based on a passage of scripture. 2 solemn hymn of praise etc.,

=

national

anthem.

[Latin:

related to antiphon]

anther

/'aenGa(r)/ n. part of

containing flower]

pollen.

anthill

[Greek

a stamen

anthos

n.

moundlike nest

built

by ants

or termites.

anthology

/aen'6Dlad3i/ n. (pi. -ies) collection of poems, essays, stories, etc.

anthologist

n.

[Greek anthos flower,

-logia collection]

anthracite

hard type of burning with little flame and smoke. [Greek: related to anthrax] anthrax /'aenGraeks/ n. disease of sheep /'aenGra.sait/ n.

coal

and

transmissible to humans.

cattle

=

[Greek,

coal, carbuncle]

anthropocentric /.aenGrapau'sentnk/ adj. regarding mankind as the centre of existence. [Greek anthropos

man]

anthropoid /'aenGra.paid/ -adj. human in form. -n. anthropoid ape. /,aenGra'pDlad3i/ n. study of mankind, esp. its societies

anthropology and

customs.

/-pa'lDd3ik(a)l/ adj.

anthropological anthropologist n.

anthropomorphism

/.aenGrapa 'mo:fiz(a)m/ n. attribution of human characteristics to a god, animal, or thing. anthropomorphic adj.

[Greek morphe form]

anthropomorphous 'mo:fas/ adj. human in form.

/.aenGrapa

anti lentil -prep, opposed to. -n. person opposed to a policy etc.

(pi. -s)

anti- prefix 1 opposed to (anticlerical). 2 preventing (antifreeze). 3 opposite of (anticlimax). 4 unconventional (antihero). [Greek]

anti-abortion

adj.

/,aentia'b3:J(a)n/

opposing abortion.

anti-abortionist

n.

anti-aircraft

gun or

/,aenti'eakra:ft/ adj. (of

missile) used to attack

a

enemy

aircraft.

antibiotic

sub/.aentibai'otik/ -n. that can inhibit or micro-organisms. susceptible destroy -adj. functioning as an antibiotic. [Greek bios life] antibody /'aenti.bDdi/ n. (pi -ies) a blood protein produced in response to and then counteracting antigens, [translation of German Antikdrper] antic /'aentik/ n. (usu. in pi.) foolish behaviour or action. [Italian antico antique] Antichrist /'aenti.kraist/ n. enemy of

stance

Christ.

leading to a main one.

esp.

anticipate

30

antagonism

(e.g. penicillin)

antichristian /-'knstj(a)n/

adj.

anticipate /aen'tisi.peit/ v.

(-ting)

1

deal

with or use before the proper time. 2 expect, foresee (did not anticipate a problem). 3 forestall (a person or thing). anticipation 4 look forward to. /-'peij(a)n/ n. anticipatory adj. [Latin anti- before, capio take]

anticlerical

Usage The 2,

in

'expect', 'foresee', is well-established

informal use, but

incorrect by

some

regarded as

is

people.

anticlerical /,aenti'klenk(a)l/ adj. opposed to clerical influence, esp. in politics.

antinovel

n. novel avoiding the conventions of the form.

/'aenti,nDv(a)l/

anti-nuclear opposed

/,aenti'nju:klia(r)/

to the

/.aenti'klaimaeks/

appointingly

something

dis-

n.

conclusion

trivial

to

significant.

weapons or power. antiparticle /'denti.paitikte)!/ n. elementary particle with the same mass etc. to

another par-

ticle.

antipathy

/aen'tipaGi/ n. (pi. -ies) (often

by to, for, between) strong aversion or dislike. antipathetic /-'9etik/ adj. [Greek: related to pathetic]

foil,

anticlockwise /.aenti'klokwaiz/ adj. & adv. moving in a curve opposite in direction to the hands of a clock.

anticyclone

adj.

development of nuclear

but opposite charge

anticlimax

/.aenti'saiklaun/ n.

antiperspirant

system

of winds rotating outwards from an area of high pressure, producing fine

weather.

/,aenti'p3:sparant/

n.

substance preventing or reducing perspiration.

antiphon

/'aentif(a)n/ n.

hymn sung

1

alternately by two groups. 2 versicle or

antidepressant

/,aentidi'pres(a)nt/ -n. drug etc. that alleviates depression. -adj. alleviating depression.

antidote

antisocial

31

use of anticipate in sense

medicine etc. used to counteract poison. 2 anything counteracting something unpleasant. [Greek antidotos given against] antifreeze /'aenti,fri:z/ n. substance added to water to lower its freezing/'aenti.daut/ n.

1

point, esp. in a vehicle's radiator. /'aentid3(a)n/ n. foreign substance (e.g. toxin) which causes the body to produce antibodies. [Greek

antigen

-genes of a kind] /'agnti.hiarau/ n. (pi -es) central character in a story, lacking conventional heroic qualities.

anti-hero

antihistamine

/,aenti'hista,mi:n/

n.

drug that counteracts the effects of histamine, used esp. in treating allergies.

antiknock

substance added to motor fuel to prevent premature combustion.

anti-lock

/'aenti.nnk/

/'aenti.lDk/

n.

attrib.

adj.

(of

brakes) set up so as to prevent locking and skidding when applied suddenly. antilog /'aenti.log/ n. colloq. = anti-

logarithm, [abbreviation]

antilogarithm /.aenti'lDga.rio^m/ n. number to which a logarithm belongs. antimacassar /,aentima'kaesa(r)/ n. detachable protective cloth for the back of a chair etc. antimatter /'aenti,maeta(r)/ n. matter

composed

solely of antiparticles. brittle silvery

antimony /'aentimani/ n.

metallic element used esp. in alloys, [medieval Latin] -adj. /.aenti'naumian/ believing that Christians need not obey the moral law. -n. (Antinomian) hist. person believing this. [Greek nomos law]

antinomian

antinomy

/aen'tinami/

n.

(pi.

-ies)

contradiction between two reasonable beliefs or conclusions.

phrase

from

antiphonal

this.

/-'tifan(a)l/ adj.

antipodes

[Greek phone sound]

n.pl. places diametrically opposite to one another on the earth, esp. (also Antipodes) Aus-

/aen'tipa,di:z/

antipo-

tralasia in relation to Europe.

dean

/

-'di:an/ adj.

& n.

[Greek, = having

the feet opposite]

antipope

/'aenti.paup/ n.

pope

set

up

in

opposition to one chosen by canon law. /.aentipaia'retik/ -adj. preventing or reducing fever, -n. antipyretic drug. antiquarian /.aenti'kwearian/ -adj. of or dealing in antiques or rare books. -n. antiquarianism n. antiquary.

antipyretic

antiquary

/'aentikwari/ n.

(pi. -ies)

dent or collector of antiques related to antique]

antiquated

stu-

etc. [Latin:

/'aenti.kweitid/

adj.

old-

fashioned.

antique

/aen'ti:k/ -n. old object, esp. a piece of furniture, of high value, —adj. 1 of or from an early date. 2 old-fashioned. [Latin antiquus]

antiquity

/aen'tikwati/ n.

-ies)

(pi.

1

ancient times, esp. before the Middle Ages. 2 great age. 3 (usu. in pi.) relics from ancient times. [Latin: related to antique]

antirrhinum

/.aenti'ramam/

n.

plant

with two-lipped flowers, esp. the snapdragon. [Greek, = snout] anti-Semite /,aenti'si:mait/ n. person who is prejudiced against Jews, anti-Semitic /-si mitik/ adj. anti-Semitism /-'semi,tiz(a)m/ n. /.aenti'septik/ -adj. 1 counteracting sepsis, esp. by destroying germs. 2 sterile, uncontaminated. 3 lacking character, -n. antiseptic agent.

antiseptic

antiserum

/'aenti.siaram/

n.

serum

with a high antibody content. 1 adj. /,aenti'sauj(a)l/ antisocial opposed or harmful to society. 2 not

sociable.

antistatic

aphasia

32

Usage Antisocial is sometimes used mistakenly instead of unsocial in the phrase unsocial hours. This should be avoided.

antistatic

a?nu sta?tik adj. counteracting the effects of static electricity. anti-tank ,aenu'ta?nk attrib. aa[i. used against tanks. antitetanus a?nti tetanes adj. effective against tetanus. antithesis a?n 'tittesis n. (pi -theses -.si:z ) 1 (foil, by of. to) direct opposite. 2 contrast. 3 rhetorical use of strongly

anyhow derly

anything pron. any sort

thing; thing of any anything but not at all. adv. 1 in any way or manner. any rate. 3 to resume (anyway, as

anyway 2 at 1

was

)

adj. effective

against viruses.

antler

n.

branched horn of a stag or antlered adj. [French]

other deer,

antonym

'a?ntanrm n. word opposite to another. [Greek onoma

meaning name] in

antrum

a?ntram

n,

(pi antral natural

cavity in the body. esp. in a bone. [Greek. = cave] anus 'ernes n, (pi anuses) excretory opening at the end of the alimentary canal. [Latin] anvil 'a?n\il n. iron block on which metals are worked. [Old English] anxiety a?rj zaiati n. (pi -ies) 1 being anxious. 2 worry or concern. 3 eagerness, troubled desire. [Latin anxietas

from ango choke:

anxious

-adv. in or to any place. -pron. any place (anywhere will do). abbr. any other business.

adj.

mentally marked by 1

wanting ^anxious

:o please). adv. [Latin anxius] which, 1 matter a one. no -adj. of several (cannot find any answer), b some, no matter how much or many or of what son (if any books arrive; have you any sugar?). 2 a minimal amount of (hardly any difference). 3 whichever is

anxiously

any em

chosen yany fool knows). 4 an appreciable or significant (did not stay for any length of time: has any amount of mcney"i. -p-on. 1 any one (did not know any of themv 2 any number or amount yours/*), -adv. (usu. CY any of with neg. or interrog.) at all (is :ha: any-

good? ONE.

-Y

[Old English ftnfc related to :

]

anybody

n.

Sc

r*v r

ei'orta

:.

person of importance

1

any person. 2

(fl

he anybody?).

n.

(pi

-s)

main

artery,

giving rise to the arterial network"" earning oxygenated blood to the body from the heart. aortic adj. [Greek aeiro raise] apace a'peis adv. literary swiftly. [French a pas] Apache e'paptji n. member of a N. American Indian tribe. [Mexican Spanish] apart a'pci:t adv. 1 separately, not together (keep your feet apart). 2 into pieces (came apart). 3 to or on one side. 4 ta or ifl a distance apart from 1 excepting, not considering. 2 in addition to (apart from roses we grow irises). [French a part to one side] apartheid ^;v.:ei: n S. esp Africa) racial segregation or discrim-

m

ination. [.Afrikaans]

apartment apo:tmant suite of rooms. 2 single [Italian a parte, apart]

apathy

(in

pi)

room. 3 US

flat.

n.

1

n. lack of interest; inz apathetic -'flenk adj. without, pathos] ape - n. 1 tailless monkey-like primate, the gorilla, chimpanzee, orange.g. utan, or gibbon. 2 imitator, -v. (-ping) miitate. mimic. [Old English] apeman n. extinct primate held to be the forerunner of present-day man. aperient apianant -adj. laxative. -n. laxative medicine. [Latin aperio open] aperitif a, pen ti:f n. alcoholic drink taken before a meal. [Latin aperio open] aperture 'a^pe.tja^ n. opening or gap. esp. a variable opening in a camera for admining light. [Latin aperio open] Apex eipeks n. (also APEX) (often artrib.) system of reduced fares for scheduled flights. [.Advance Purchase £.vcursion] apex "eipeks n. (pi -es) 1 highest point. 2 tip or pointed end. [Latin] aphasia a'feizie n. loss of verbal understanding or expression, owing to

'a?pafli

difference,

senkjas

troubled. 2 causing or anxiety (anxious moment). 3 eager, uneasily

saying).

anywhere aorta

1

in a disoror state (does his work

as two words to emphasize a numerical sense, as in any one of us can do it.

AOB

usu. above trade winds, antiviral aena'vaianaH

anyway. 2

anyhow).

against] aenti'toksrn n. antibody counteracting a toxin, antitoxic adj. antitrades a?nti treidz n,pl. winds blowing in the opposite direction to ^and

manner

1

anyone pron. anybody. Usage Anyone is written

contrasted words. antithetical -'Getik^H adj. [Greek antitithemi set

antitoxin

adv.

[Greek

a-

aphelion

aphelion

appal

33

brain damage. speechless]

[Greek

aphatos

apologize /a'pola^aiz/ (-zing or -sing)

a'frlian/ n. (pi. -lia) point in a

(also -ise)

v.

make an

apology, ex-

press regret.

where it is furthest from the sun. [Greek aph'heliou from

apology

the sun]

explanation or defence. 3 (foil, by for) poor specimen of. [Greek apologia from apologeomai speak in defence] apophthegm /'aepa.Gem/ n. = aphorism. [Latin from Greek]

celestial body's orbit

aphid

/'eifid/ n.

small insect infesting

and damaging

plants, e.g. the greenfly. /'eifis/ n. (pi aphides /-,di:z/) aphid, [invented by Linnaeus: perhaps a misreading of Greek koris bug] aphorism / aefa,nz(a)m/ n. short pithy

aphis

,

maxim.

aphoristic /-'nstik/ [Greek aphorismos definition]

aphrodisiac

/.aefra'dizi.aek/

adj.

-adj.

love]

bees are kept.

(pi -ies) place where n. [Latin apis

n.

apiarist

bee]

apical /'eipik(a)l/ adj. of, at, or forming an apex. apiculture /'eipi.kAltJaO*)/ n. beeapiculturist /-'kAltJanst/ keeping, n. [Latin apis bee, culture] apiece /a'pi:s/ adv. for each one; severally (five

pounds

apiece), [originally

a

piece]

apish

/'eipiJV adj.

of or like an ape. 2

1

foolishly imitating.

aplomb

/a'pmm/

n.

skilful self-assur-

ance. [French, = straight as a plummet] apocalypse /a'pokalips/ n. 1 violent or destructive event. 2 (the Apocalypse) Revelation, the last book of the New Testament. 3 revelation, esp. about the apocalyptic end of the world. /-'liptik/ adj. [Greek apokalupto reveal] Apocrypha /a'poknfa/ n.pl 1 books included in the Septuagint and Vulgate versions of the Old Testament but not in the Hebrew Bible. 2 (apocrypha) writings etc. not considered genuine. [Greek apokrupto hide away] doubtful of adj. apocryphal authenticity.

apogee

highest point; climax. 2 point in a celestial body's orbit where it is furthest from the earth. [Greek apogeion] apolitical /,eipa'litik(a)l/ adj. not interested in or concerned with politics. apologetic /a.pola'dsetik/ -adj. 1 showing or expressing regret. 2 of apolo-n. (usu. in pi.) reasoned getics, apolodefence, esp. of Christianity. getically adv. apologia /,aepa'laud3ia/ n. formal defence of opinions or conduct. [Greek: /'aepa,d3i:/

n.

1

see apology] /8'pDlad3ist/ n. person defends something by argument.

apologist

apoplectic

/.a^pa'plektik/ adj. 1 of or colloq. enraged.

causing apoplexy. 2

apoplexy

sudden paracaused by blockage or rupture of a brain artery; stroke. [Greek apoplesso disable by stroke] apostasy /a'pDstasi/ n. (pi. -ies) renunciation of a belief or faith, abandoning of principles, etc. [Greek, = defection] apostate /a'pDsteit/ n. person who renounces a belief etc. z apostatize v. /'aepa.pleksi/ n.

lysis

arousing sexual desire, -n. aphrodisiac substance. [Greek Aphrodite goddess of

apiary /'eipiari/

ment

/9'pDl8d3i/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 stateof regret for an offence or failure. 2

who

(also -ise) (-zing or -sing).

a posteriori /,ei

po,steri'o:rai/ -adj. (of reasoning) proceeding from effects to causes; inductive, -adv. inductively.

[Latin,

apostle

= from what comes

after]

(Apostle) any of the twelve men sent out by Christ to preach the gospel. 2 leader, esp. of a new movement. [Greek apostolos messenger] apostolate /a'pDstalat/ n. 1 position or authority of an Apostle. 2 leadership in reform. /a'pDs(a)l/ n. 1

apostolic

/.aepa'stDlik/ adj. 1 of the Apostles or their teaching. 2 of the Pope.

succession n. supposed uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority from the Apostles through popes and bishops. apostrophe /a'pDstrafi/ n. 1 punctuation mark (') indicating: a omission of apostolic

letters or

numbers

(e.g. can't;

May

'92).

b possessive case (e.g. Harry's book; boys' coats). 2 exclamatory passage addressed to (an often absent) person or

apostrophize thing. (-zing or -sing) (in sense

v.

(also -ise)

2).

[Greek, =

turning away]

apothecaries'

measure

n.

(also

apothecaries' weight) units formerly used in pharmacy. /a'pDGakan/ n (pi. -ies) archaic dispensing chemist. [Greek apotheke storehouse]

apothecary apotheosis

n. (pi. /a.pDGi'ausis/ /-si:z/) 1 elevation to divine status, deification. 2 glorification of a thing; sublime example (apotheosis of

-theoses

chivalry). [Greek theos god] /a'po.l/ v. (-11-) 1 greatly dismay or horrify. 2 (as appalling adj.) colloq.

appal very

grow

bad,

[French apalir pale ]

shocking.

pale: related to

1

apparatus apparatus

equipment

for a particular function, esp. scientific or technical. 2 political or other complex organization. [Latin paro prepare] apparel /a'paer(a)l/ n. formal clothing, dress. apparelled adj. [Romanic, =

make fit, from Latin par equal] apparent /a'paerant/ adj. 1 visible; obvious. 2

readily

appar-

seeming.

ently adv. [Latin: related

appear] apparition /,a3pa'nj(a)n/ n. remarkable or unexpected thing that appears; ghost or phantom. appeal /a'pi:l/-i;. 1 request earnestly or to

formally; plead. 2 (usu. foil, by to) attract, be of interest. 3 (foil, by to) resort to for support. 4 Law a (often foil, by to) apply (to a higher court) for reconsideration of a legal decision, b refer (a case) to a higher court. 5 Cricket call on the umpire to declare whether a batsman is out. -n. 1 act of appealing. 2 request for public support, esp. financial. 3 Law referral of a case to a higher court. 4 attractiveness. [Latin appello address] appear /a'pia(r)/ v. 1 become or be visible. 2 seem (appeared unwell). 3 present oneself publicly or formally. 4 be published. [Latin appareo] appearance /a'piarans/ n. 1 act of appearing. 2 outward form as perceived (appearance of prosperity). 3 semblance. keep up appearances maintain an impression or pretence of virtue, affluence, etc. make (or put in) an appearance be present, esp. briefly.

appease

(-sing) 1 make calm conciliate (a potential

/a'pi:z/ v.

or quiet, esp. aggressor) by making concessions. 2 apsatisfy (an appetite, scruples). peasement n. [French a to, pais peace]

appellant

appoint

34

/.aepe'reitas/ n. 1

/a'pelant/ n.

person

who

ap-

appendix

/a'pendiks/ n. (pi. -dices /-,si:z/) 1 tissue forming a tube-shaped sac attached to the large intestine. 2 addition to a book etc. [Latin: related to

append]

appertain

/.aepa'tem/ v. (foil, by to) relate, belong, or be appropriate. [Latin: related to pertain]

appetite /'aepi.tait/

/'aepi,taiz9(r)/ n. (also -iser)

small amount, esp. of food or drink, to stimulate the appetite. appetizing adj. (also -ising) stimulating the appetite, esp. for food; tasty. applaud /a'pb:d/ v. 1 express strong approval (of), esp. by clapping. 2 commend, approve (a person or action). [Latin applaudo clap hands] applause /a'pk>:z/ n. 1 approval shown by clapping the hands. 2 warm approval.

apple

/'aep(a)l/ n. 1 roundish firm fruit with crisp flesh. 2 tree bearing this. apple of one's eye cherished person or

thing. [Old English]

apple-pie bed

n. bed made (as a joke) with sheets folded so as to prevent a person lying flat. apple-pie order n. extreme neatness,

appliance /a'plaians/ n.

by to) that may applicability /-'biliti/ appropriate. [medieval Latin: related to apply]

name

or

title;

nomenclature,

append

/a'pend/ v. (usu. foil, by to) attach, affix, add, esp. to a written document. [Latin appendo hang] appendage /a'pendid3/ n. thing attached; addition. appendectomy /.aepen'dektami/ n. (also appendicectomy /-di sektami/) (pi. -ies) surgical removal of the ap-

pendix, [from appendix, -ectomy] /a.pendi'saitis/ n. inflammation of the appendix.

appendicitis

a

n.

person who applicant applies for something, esp. a job. application /,aepli'keij(a)n/ n. 1 formal request. 2 act of applying. 3 substance applied. 4 a relevance, b use (has many /'aeplikant/ n.

applications). 5 diligence,

applique

appellative /a'pelativ/ adj. 1 naming. 2 Gram, (of a noun) designating a class, common.

etc. for

(often be applied; relevant;

foil,

appellation

formal

device

specific task, [related to apply] /'aeplikab(a)l/ adj.

applicable

applicator

n.

natural craving,

peto seek]

appetizer

peals to a higher court. [Latin appello address] appellate /a'pelat/ attrib. adj. (esp. of a court) concerned with appeals, /.aepa'leiJXa^n/

n. 1

esp. for food or sexual activity. 2 (usu. foil, by for) inclination or desire. [Latin

/'a3pli,keita(r)/ n.

applying ointment

applied

/a'plaid/

device for

etc.

adj.

practical, not science).

merely theoretical (applied

-n. cutting out of fabric patterns and attaching them to another fabric, -v. (-ques, -qued, applique. with decorate -queing) [French, = applied] /a'pli:kei/

apply

/a'plai/ v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foil, for, to, or to + infin.) formally request. 2 (often foil, by to) be relevant. 3 a make use of; employ (apply the rules;

by

common sense), b operate (apply the brakes). 4 (often foil, by to) put or spread on. 5 refl. (often foil, by to) devote oneself. [Latin applico fasten to] appoint /a'point/ v. 1 assign a job or office to. 2 (often foil, by for) fix (a time, place, etc.). 3 (as appointed adj.) apply

appointment -

apportion to)

share

(often foil, by as a share. [medieval Latin:

a'po:J(a)n/ out; assign

apportionment

n.

v.

related to portion]

apposite

'sepazit/ adj. (often foil,

by

to)

apt, appropriate; well expressed. [Latin

appono apply]

apposition tion, esp.

/,aepa'ziJXa)n/ n. juxtaposi-

Gram, of elements sharing a

function (e.g. William the Conqueror, my friend Sue). appraisal /a'preiz(a)l/ n. appraising or being appraised. appraise ,'a'preiz/ v. (-sing) 1 estimate the value or quality of. 2 set a price on syntactic

(esp. officially), [earlier apprize, assimil-

ated to praise]

appreciable

/a'pri:Jab(a)l/ adj. significant, considerable. [French: related to

appreciate]

appreciate

/a'pri:Ji,eit/

(-ting)

v.

1

a

esteem highly; value, b be grateful for. 2 understand, recognize (appreciate the danger). 3 rise or raise in value, z

appreciative Jativ adj. appreciatory /-Jjatan adj. [Latin pretium price]

appreciation

9,pri:Ji'eir(a)n/

n.

1

or grateful recognition. 2 sensitive estimation or judgement. 3 rise in value. [French: related to appreciate]

favourable

apprehend

apron

35

equipped, furnished {well-appointed). appointee ti: n. [French a point to a pointjappointment n. 1 appointing or being appointed. 2 arrangement for meeting or consultation. 3 a post or office open to applicants, b person appointed. 4 (usu. in pi.) furniture, fittings; equipment.

/.aepri'hend/

seize,

1

v.

arrest. 2 understand, perceive. [Latin

prehendo grasp]

apprehension

/,aepri'henJXa)n/

n.

1

uneasiness, dread. 2 understanding. 3 arrest, capture.

apprehensive uneasily fearful,

/.aepn'hensiv,

z

adj.

apprehensively

adv.

approximate to (approaching 5 million). 4 set about (a task etc.). -n. 1 act or means of approaching. 2 approximation. 3 technique (try a new approach). 4 Golf stroke from the fairway to the green. 5 Aeron. part of a flight before landing. [Latin prope near]

approachable

adj. 1 friendly, easy to talk to. 2 able to be approached. approbation /,aepra'beiJXa)n/ n. approval, consent. [Latin probo test] appropriate -adj. /a'praupriat/ suitable, proper, - v. /a'praupn.eit/ (-ting) 1 take, esp. without authority. 2 devote (money etc.) to special purposes. appropriately adv. appropriation /-'eij(a)n/ n. [Latin. proprius

approval

/a'prentis/

-n.

1

person

own] approving.

1

/

neo belong

to]

APR

abbr. annual or annualized percentage rate (esp. of interest on loans or credit).

Apr.

abbr. April.

apres-ski

/.aeprei'ski:/ -n. social activfollowing a day's skiing, -attrib. adj. (of clothes, drinks, etc.) suitable for these. [French] apricot /'eipri.kDt/ -n. 1 a small juicy orange-yellow peachlike fruit, soft b tree bearing it. 2 its colour, -adj. orange-yellow. [Portuguese and Spanish from Arabic, ultimately from Latin ities

praecox early-ripe]

April

apprentice

/a'pru:v(a)l/ n.

2 consent; favourable opinion, z on approval (of goods supplied) returnable if not satisfactory. approve /a'pru:v/ v. (-ving) 1 confirm; sanction. 2 (often foil, by of) regard with favour. [Latin probo test] approx. abbr. approximately). approximate -adj. /a'prnksimat/ fairly correct, near to the actual (approximate price), -v. /a'pmksi.meit/ (-ting) (often foil, by to) bring or come near (esp. in quality, number, etc.). approximately adv. approximation /-'meij(a)n/ n. [Latin proximus nearest] appurtenance /a'p3:tmans n. (usu. in pi.) belonging; accessory. [Latin perti-

/'eipr(a)l/ n.

fourth

month

of the

year. [Latin]

learning a trade by working in it for an agreed period at low wages. 2 novice, -v.

April

engage as an apprentice (apprenticed to a builder). apprenticeship n. [French apprendre

a priori ,ei prai'a:rar -adj. 1 (of reasoning) from causes to effects; deductive.

(-cing) (usu.

foil,

by

to)

learn]

apprise

/a'praiz/

v.

(-sing)

formal

in-

form. [French appris(e) learnt, taught] on appro = "asprau n. colloq. on approval (see approval), [abbrevi-

appro ation]

approach /a'prautJV -v. nearer ively

make

1

come near

or

space or time. 2 tentata proposal to. 3 be similar or

(to) in

Fool

tricked on

1

n.

person

successfully

April.

2 (of concepts etc.) logically independent of experience; not derived from experience. 3 assumed without investigation (an a priori conjecture), -adv. 1 deductively. 2 as far as one knows. [Latin, = from what is before] apron /eipran/ n. 1 garment for covering and protecting the front of the clothes. 2 Theatr. part of a stage in front of the curtain. 3 area on an airfield for

apropos

apropos

.aepra'pau

—adj.

ate. 2 colloq. (often foil,

by

approprirespect

1

of) in

-adv. 1 appropriately. 2 (absol.) incidentally. [French a propos] apse aeps n. large arched or domed recess, esp. at the end of a church, [related to apsis] of.

apsis

n. {pi. apsides -,di:z ) two points on the orbit of a planet etc. nearest to or furthest from the body round which it moves. [Greek

'sepsis

either of

(h)apsis arch, vault] apt adj. 1 appropriate, suitable. 2 tending (apt to break down). 3 clever; quick to learn. [Latin aptus fitted]

aptitude

'aepti,tju:d

n.

1

natural

talent. 2 ability or fitness, esp. specified.

[French: related to apt] 'aekwa n. the colour aquamarine, [abbreviation] aqua fortis ,aekwa 'fo:tis/ n. nitric acid. [Latin, = strong water] aqualung 'aekwa.lArj n. portable breathing-apparatus for divers. [Latin aqua water] aquamarine .aekwama'run/ -n. 1 bluish-green beryl. 2 its colour, —adj. bluish-green. [Latin aqua marina sea water] aquaplane 'aekwa.plem/ -n. board for riding on water, pulled by a speedboat. -v. (-ning) 1 ride on this. 2 (of a vehicle) glide uncontrollably on a wet surface. 1 [Latin aqua water, plane ] aqua regia ,sekwa 'ri:d3ia n. highly corrosive mixture of acids, attacking many substances unaffected by other reagents. [Latin, = royal water] aquarelle .aekwa'rel n. painting in thin usu. transparent water-colours.

aqua

[French from Italian]

aquarium

/a'kweariam'

n.

(pi

-s)

tank

of water for keeping and showing fish etc. [Latin aquarius of water] a'kwearias, n. (pi. -es) 1 constellation and eleventh sign of the zodiac (the Water-carrier). 2 person born when the sun is in this sign. [Latin: related to aquarium] aquatic a'kwaetik -adj. 1 growing or living in water. 2 (of a sport) played in or on water, -n. 1 aquatic plant or animal. 2 (in pi.) aquatic sports. [Latin aqua

Aquarius

water]

aquatint

arbiter

36

manoeuvring or loading, z tied to a person's apron-strings dominated by or dependent on that person (usu. a woman), [originally napron, from French nape table-cloth]

'aekwatint n. etched print resembling a water-colour. [Italian acqua tinta coloured water]

aqua vitae

/,

aekwa

Vi:tai

n.

strong

alcoholic spirit, esp. brandy. [Latin, = water of life] aqueduct 'aekwi.dAkt/ n. water channel, esp. a bridge on columns across a valley. [Latin aquae ductus conduit] aqueous 'eikwias / adj. of or like water. [Latin aqua water] aqueous n. clear fluid in the eye between the lens and the cornea. aquilegia ,aekwi'li:d3a/ n. (usu. blueflowered) columbine. [Latin] aquiline 'aekwi.lain adj. 1 of or like an eagle. 2 (of a nose) curved. [Latin aquila eagle]

humour

Ar symb.

argon.

suffix forming adjectives (angular; linear). [Latin -aris]

-ar

Arab

'aerab -n. 1 member of a Semitic people originating in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries, now widespread throughout the Middle East. 2 horse of a breed orig. native to Arabia. -adj. of Arabia or the Arabs (esp. with ethnic reference). [Arabic araps]

arabesque

.aera'besk n. 1 Ballet posture with one leg extended horizontally backwards and arms outstretched. 2 design of intertwined leaves, scrolls, etc. 3

Mus. florid piece. [French from from arabo Arab]

Italian

Arabian

a'reibian -adj. of or relating

Arabia (esp. in geographical contexts) (Arabian desert), -n. native of to

Arabia.

Usage In the sense 'native of Arabia', the usual term is now Arab. Arabic

'aerabik -n. Semitic language of the Arabs, -adj. of the Arabs (esp. their language or literature). arabic numeral n. any of the

numerals

arable

0-9.

'aerab(a)l' adj. (of land) suitable

crop plough] for

production.

[Latin

aro

to

arachnid

a'raeknid n. arthropod of a class comprising spiders, scorpions, etc. arakhne spider] [Greek arak var. of arrack.

Araldite resin for

'aeral.dait'

n.

propr. epoxy

mending china

etc.

[origin

unknown]

Aramaic

.asra'menk -n. branch of the Semitic family of languages, esp. the language of Syria used as a lingua franca in the Near East from the sixth century bc. -adj. of or in Aramaic. [Greek Aramaios of Aram (Hebrew

name

of Syria)]

arbiter

'a:brta. (usu. foil, draw a by off, out) screen, obscure. blank get no response; fail. blankly adv. blankness n. [French blanc white,

from Germanic]

blank cheque payee to

fill

in.

n. 1 cheque left for the 2 colloq. unlimited free-

dom

of action. 1 large esp. woollen sheet used as a bed-covering etc. 2

blanket /'blaenkit/-rc.

blanket bath

bedridden patient.

blanket stitch

stitch

n.

used

to finish

the edges of a blanket etc.

blank verse

unrhymed

n.

verse, esp.

iambic pentameters,

blare -v. 2

make

(-ring)1 sound or utter loudly. the sound of a trumpet, -n.

blaring sound. [Low

German

or Dutch,

imitative]

blarney

-n. cajoling talk; flattery, -v. (-eys, -eyed) flatter, cajole. [Blarney, castle near Cork] blase /'bla:zei/ adj. bored or indifferent through over-familiarity. [French] blaspheme /blaes'fi:m/ v. (-ming) 1 use religious names irreverently; treat a religious or sacred subject irreverently. 2 talk irreverently about; use blas-

phemy

/'bla:ni/

against. [Greek blasphemed]

blasphemy

/'blaesfami/ n. (pi. -ies)

1

irreverent talk or treatment of a religious or sacred thing. 2 instance of

blasphemous

this.

blast

adj.

-n. 1 strong gust of air. 2 a explosion, b destructive wave of air from this. 3 loud note from a wind instrument, car horn, etc. 4 colloq. severe reprimand, —v. 1 blow up with explosives. 2 wither, blight (blasted oak; blasted her hopes). 3 (cause to) make a loud noise, —int. expressing annoyance. at full blast colloq. at maximum volume, speed, etc. blast off take off from a launching site. [Old English] /blaist/

blasted

colloq.

-attrib. adj.

damned;

annoying, -adv. damned; extremely. blast-furnace n. smelting furnace into which hot air is driven.

blast-off n. launching of a rocket

blatant /'bleit(8)nt/ unashamed. 2 loudly

adj.

1

etc.

flagrant,

obtrusive.

bla-

tantly adv. [coined by Spenser]

blather foolish

-n. (also blether) talk foolishly. [Old

/'blaeda(r)/

talk.

-v.

Norse]

blaze

1

bless

82

thick covering mass or layer, -attrib. adj. covering everything; inclusive. — v. (-t-) 1 cover. 2 stifle, suppress. [French: related to blank] blanket bath n. body wash given to a

-n. 1 bright flame or fire. 2 violent outburst (of passion etc.). 3 brilliant display (blaze of scarlet, of glory), -v. (-zing) 1 burn or shine brightly or fiercely. 2 be consumed with anger, blaze away (often excitement, etc. foil, by at) 1 shoot continuously. 2 work vigorously. [Old English, = torch] blaze 2 -n. 1 white mark on an animal's face. 2 mark cut on a tree, esp. to show a route, -v. (-zing) mark (a tree or a path) blaze a trail show the with blazes. way for others, [origin uncertain]

blazer

jacket without matching trousers, esp. lightweight and often part of a uniform, [from blaze 1 ] blazon /'bleiz(a)n/ -v. 1 proclaim (esp. blazon abroad). 2 Heraldry describe or paint (arms). -n. Heraldry shield or coat of arms. blazonment n. blazonry n. [French, originally = shield] bleach -v. whiten in sunlight or by a chemical process, -n. bleaching substance or process. [Old English] bleak adj. 1 exposed, windswept. 2 dreary, grim. [Old Norse] bleary /'blian/ adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 dim; blurred. 2 indistinct. [Low German] n.

bleary-eyed

adj.

having dim

sight.

bleat -v. 1 (of a sheep, make a wavering cry. 2

goat, or calf) (often foil, by out) speak or say plaintively, -n. bleating cry. [Old English] bleed -v. (past and past part, bled) 1 emit blood. 2 draw blood from surgically. 3 colloq. extort money from. 4 (often foil, by for) suffer wounds or violent death. 5 a emit sap. b (of dye) come out in water. 6 empty (a system) of excess air or fluid. — n. act of bleeding.

one's heart bleeds usu. iron, one very sorrowful. [Old English] bleeder n. coarse slang unpleasant or contemptible person. bleeding adj. & adv. coarse slang expressing annoyance or antipathy. is

bleep -n.

intermittent high-pitched electronic sound, - v. 1 make a bleep. 2 summon with a bleeper. [imitative] bleeper n. small electronic device bleeping to contact the carrier.

blemish

/'blemiJV -n. flaw, defect, or mark, or stain. [French] blench v. flinch, quail. [Old English] blend -v. 1 mix together as required. 2 become one. 3 (often foil, by with, in) stain, -v. spoil,

mingle; mix thoroughly. 4 (esp. of colours) merge imperceptibly; harmonize. -n. mixture. [Old Norse]

blender

n.

machine

for

liquidizing,

chopping, or pureeing food. /'bleni/ n. (pi. -ies) small spinyfinned scaleless marine fish. [Greek blennos mucus] bless v. (past and past part, blessed, poet, blest) 1 ask God to look favourably

blenny

on, esp. by making the sign of the cross over. 2 consecrate (food etc.). 3 glorify (God). 4 attribute one's good luck to (stars etc.); thank. 5 (usu. in passive) make happy or successful (blessed with soul) (or bless children). exclamation of surprise etc. bless you! exclamation of endearment, gratitude, etc., or to a person who has just sneezed.

me

[Old English]

my

blessed blessed

blest) 1 nuisance!). 3

sedness n. blessing n.

RC

Ch. beatified.

bles-

invocation of (esp. divine) favour. 2 grace said at a meal. 3 benefit, blether var. of blather. blew past of blow blight blait -n. 1 plant disease caused 1

1

.

by insects etc. 2 such an insect etc. 3 harmful or destructive force. 4 ugly urban area, -o, 1 affect with blight. 2 harm, destroy. 3 spoil, [origin

unknown] blighter n.

contemptible or an-

colloq.

noying person.

Blighty

blaiti

n.

Mil. slang England:

home. [Hindustani. = foreign]

blimey

'blaimi int. coarse slang expression of surprise, contempt, etc.

[(God) blind me!)

blimp

n. 1 (also (Colonel) Blimp) reactionary person. 2 small non-rigid airship. 3 soundproof cover for a cinecamera, [origin uncertain] blind blaind -adj. 1 lacking the power of sight. 2 a without adequate foresight, discernment, or information (blind effort), b (often foil, by to) unwilling or unable to appreciate a factor etc. (blind to argument). 3 not governed bV purpose or reason (blind forces). 4 reckless (blind hitting). 5 a concealed (blind ditch), b closed at one end. 6 (of flying) using instruments only. 7 Cookery (of a flan case etc.) baked without a filling. — i\ 1 deprive of sight. 2 rob of judgement; deceive; overawe. 3 slang go recklessly, -n. 1 screen for a window; awning. 2 thing used to hide the truth. 3 obstruction to sight or light, -adv.

blindlv.

blindlv adv. blindness n

[Old English]

blind alley

n. 1

alley closed at

one end.

2 futile course.

blind date people

block

B3

blesid. blest adj. (also poet. holy. 2 euphem. cursed (blessed

who have

between two

not previously met.

adj.

colloq.

extremely

drunk.

1 (usu. in pi.) each of two screens on a bridle preventing lateral vision. 2 device that blinks, -r. 1 obscure with blinkers. 2 (as blinkered adj.) having narrow and prejudiced

views.

blinking

adj.

annoyance

&

adv. slang expressing blinking stupid).

etc. (it's

blip — n. 1 minor deviation or error. 2 quick popping sound. 3 small image on a radar screen, -v. (-pp-) make a blip, [imitative]

bliss n. 1 perfect joy. 2 being in heaven. blissful adj. blissfully adv. [Old English]

blister -n 1 small bubble on the skin filled with watery fluid and caused by heat or friction. 2 similar swelling on plastic, wood. etc. — 1\ 1 come up in blisters. 2 raise a blister on. 3 attack

sharply, [origin uncertain] adj. 1 cheerful, happy. 2 blithely adv. [Old careless, casual, English] blithering blioarrn attrib. adj. colloq. hopeless; contemptible (esp. in blithering idiot), [blither, var. of blather] BLitt. abbr. Bachelor of Letters. [Latin

blithe Maid

Baccalaureus Litterarum] blitz bins colloq. -n. 1 a intensive or sudden (esp. aerial) attack, b intensive period of work etc. (must have a blitz on this room). 2 (the Blitz) German air raids on London in 1940. -r. inflict a blitz on. [abbreviation of blitzkrieg] blitzkrieg blitskri:g n. intense military campaign intended to bring about a swift victory. [German. = lightning war] blizzard blizad n. severe snowstorm,

adj.

3

)

unknown]

1 inflate, swell. 2 (as bloated inflated with pride, wealth, or food. (a herring) by salting and smok-

bloat

v.

cure

ing lightly. [Old Norse]

blindfold

-r. cover the eyes of (a person) with a tied cloth etc. -n. cloth etc. & adv. 1 with eyes -adj. used. so covered. 2 without due care, [originally blindfelled = struck blind] blind man's buff n. game in which a blindfold player tries to catch others. blind spot n. 1 point on the retina insensitive to light. 2 area where vision

or understanding

blindworm

blinker —it

[origin

n. colloq. date

blind drunk

-n. 1 act of blinking. 2 momentary gleam or glimpse. blink at 1 look at while blinking. 2 ignore, shirk, on the blink slang not working properly; out of order. [Dutch, var. of blench] flicker,

is

lacking.

= slow worm. blink -v. 1 shut and open the eyes quickly. 2 (often foil, by back) prevent (tears) by blinking. 3 shine unsteadily. n.

bloater n. bloated herring, blob ft small drop or spot, [imitative] bloc n. group of governments etc. sharing a common purpose. [French: related to block] block -n. 1 solid piece of hard material, esp. stone or wood. 2 this as a base for chopping etc.. as a stand, or for mounting a horse from. 3 a large building, esp. when subdivided, b group of buildings between streets. 4 obstruction. 5 two or more pulleys mounted in a case. 6 piece of wood or metal engraved for printing. 7 slang head. 8 (often attrib. number of )

blockade

Dutch]

blockade /blD'keid/-rc. surrounding or blocking of a place by an enemy to prevent entry and

exit. -v. (-ding)

sub-

ject to a blockade.

blockage n. obstruction. block and tackle n. system and ropes,

of pulleys

esp. for lifting.

blockbuster

slang 1 thing of great power, esp. a very successful film, book, etc. 2 highly destructive bomb. n.

block capitals

n.pl. (also block letters) letters printed without serifs, or written with each letter separate and in

blockhead n. stupid person. blockhouse n. 1 reinforced block vote

vote proportional in power to the number of people a delegate represents. bloke n. slang man, fellow. [Shelta] blond (of a woman usu. blonde) -adj. (of a person, hair, or complexion) lightcoloured, fair. —n. blond person. [Latin blondus yellow] blood /bUd/ -n. 1 usu. red fluid circulating in the arteries and veins of animals. 2 bloodshed, esp. killing. 3 passion, temperament. 4 race, descent, parentage (of the same blood). 5 relationship; relations (blood is thicker than water). 6 dandy, -v. 1 give (a hound) a first taste in one's of blood. 2 initiate (a person). blood inherent in one's character. [Old English] blood bank n. store of blood for transn.

fusion.

blood bath n. massacre. blood count n. number of corpuscles in a specific amount of blood, blood-curdling adj. horrifying, blood donor n. person giving blood for transfusion.

blood group

n.

any of the types of

blood. n.

normal human temper-

ature, about 37 °C or 98.4 °F. bloodhound n. large keen-scented dog used in tracking.

bloodless

adj. 1 without blood or bloodshed. 2 unemotional. 3 pale. 4

feeble.

surgical removal of

n.

blood.

blood-money

money paid as commoney paid to a

n. 1

pensation for a death. 2 killer.

blood orange n. red-fleshed orange. blood-poisoning n. diseased condition caused blood.

by micro-organisms in the

blood pressure

n.

blood in the arteries diagnosis.

blood relation ive) relative

by

pressure of the etc.,

(also birth. n.

measured

for

blood relat-

bloodshed n. killing. bloodshot adj. (of an eyeball) inflamed. blood sport n. sport involving the killing or wounding of animals. bloodstain n. stain caused by

bloodstained

blood.

adj.

bloodstream n. bloodsucker n.

blood in circulation, 1

leech. 2 extortioner.

bloodsucking adj. blood sugar n. amount

of glucose in

blood test n. examination of blood, esp. concrete

shelter. 2 hist, small fort of timber.

blood-heat

blood-letting

the blood.

capitals.

human

blooming

84

things as a unit, e.g. shares, theatre seats {block booking). 9 sheets of paper glued along one edge. -d. 1 a (often foil, by up) obstruct, b impede. 2 restrict the use of. 3 Cricket stop (a ball) with a bat defensively. block in 1 sketch roughly; plan. 2 confine, block out 1 shut out (light, noise, a memory, view, etc.). 2 sketch roughly; plan, block up confine; enclose. [Low German or

for diagnosis.

bloodthirsty adj.

(-ier, -iest)

eager for

bloodshed.

blood-vessel

n. vein, artery, or capillary carrying blood. bloody —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of, like, running with, or smeared with blood. 2 a involving bloodshed, b bloodthirsty, cruel. coarse slang expressing 3 annoyance or antipathy, or as an intensifier (bloody fool; a bloody sight better). 4 red. -adv. coarse slang as an intensifier (bloody awful). -v. (-ies, -ied) stain with blood. Bloody Mary n. mixture of vodka and

tomato juice.

bloody-minded

adj. colloq. deliberately uncooperative. 1 a flower, esp. cultivated, b state of flowering (in bloom). 2 one's prime (in full bloom). 3 a healthy glow of the complexion, b fine powder on fresh fruit and leaves, -v. 1 bear flowers; be in flower. 2 be in one's prime; flourish. [Old Norse] bloomer 1 n. 1 slang blunder. 2 plant that blooms in a specified way. bloomer2 n. long loaf with diagonal marks, [origin uncertain] bloomers n.pl. 1 women's long loose knickers. 2 hist, women's loose kneelength trousers. [Mrs A. Bloomer, name of the originator] blooming -adj. 1 flourishing; healthy. 2 slang an intensifier (blooming miracle), -adv. slang an intensifier (bloom-

bloom -n.

ing

difficult).

blossom /'blDsam/ -n. 1 flower or mass of flowers, esp. of a fruit-tree. 2 promising stage (blossom of youth). -v. 1 open into flower. 2 mature, thrive. [Old Eng-

b exaggerate. 5

spot or stain of ink etc. 2 disgraceful act or quality. 3 blemish, -v. (-tt-) 1 make a blot on, stain. 2 dry with blotting-paper. blot one's copybook damage one's reputation, blot out 1 obliterate. 2 obscure (a view, sound, etc.). [probably Scandinavian] blotch -rc. 1 discoloured or inflamed patch on the skin. 2 irregular patch of colour, —v. cover with blotches. blotchy adj. (-ier, -iest). [obsolete plotch, blot] blotter n. pad of blotting-paper, 1

blotting-paper

n.

absorbent paper for

drying wet ink.

blotto

/'blDtau/ adj.

hard stroke with a hand or weapon. 2 sudden shock or misfor1

unknown]

blow-by-blow

attrib. adj. (of a narrative etc.) detailed. blow-dry -v. arrange (the hair) while drying it. -n. act of doing this. blower n. 1 device for blowing. 2 colloq. telephone. blowfly n. bluebottle. blow-hole n. 1 nostril of a whale. 2 hole (esp. in ice) for breathing or fishing through. 3 vent for air, smoke, etc. blow-job n. coarse slang instance of

or cunnilingus. n. device with a very hot flame for burning off paint, plumbing,

fellatio

blowlamp etc.

slang very drunk,

[origin uncertain] blouse /blauz/ -n. 1 woman's garment like a shirt. 2 upper part of a military uniform, —v. (-sing) make (a bodice etc.) full like a blouse. [French] blouson /'blu:zDn/ n. short blouseshaped jacket. [French] blow 1 /blau/ -i>. (past blew; past part. blown) 1 direct a current of air (at) esp. from the mouth. 2 drive or be driven by blowing (blew the door open). 3 (esp. of the wind) move rapidly. 4 expel by

breathing (blew smoke). 5 sound or be sounded by blowing. 6 (past part. blowed) slang (esp. in imper.) curse, confound (I'm blowed if I know; blow it!). 7 clear (the nose) by blowing. 8 puff, pant. 9 slang depart suddenly (from). 10 shatter etc. by an explosion. 11 make or shape (glass or a bubble) by blowing. 12 a melt from overloading (the fuse has blown), b break or burst suddenly. 13 (of a whale) eject air and water. 14 break 15 slang a into with explosives. squander (blew £20). b bungle (an opsecret etc.). (a reveal portunity etc.). c -n. 1 act of blowing. 2 a gust of wind or be blowed air. b exposure to fresh air. if one will colloq. be unwilling to. blow a gasket slang lose one's temper, blow hot and cold colloq. vacillate, blow in 1 break inwards by an explosion. 2 colloq. arrive unexpectedly, blow a person's mind slang cause to have hallucinations etc.; astound, blow ofT1 escape or allow (steam etc.) to escape forcibly. 2 slang break wind noisily, blow out 1 extinguish by blowing. 2 send outwards

by an explosion, blow over (of trouble etc.) fade away, blow one's top colloq. explode in rage, blow colloq.

happen. 6 temper. [Old English]

colloq. arise,

colloq. lose one's

blow2 /blau/ n. tune, [origin

lish]

blot -n.

etc.).

Blue Book

85

blossom

up

rebuke strongly. 3

1

explode. 2

inflate (a tyre

4 colloq. a enlarge (a photograph).

blown past part, blow-out

of

blow

1 .

burst tyre. 2 melted fuse. 3 huge meal, blowpipe n. 1 tube for blowing air through, esp. to intensify a flame or to blow glass. 2 tube for propelling poisoned darts etc. by blowing, n.

blowtorch blow-up n. photograph

n.

colloq.

1

US = blowlamp.

1 colloq.

etc.).

enlargement (of a

2 explosion,

blowy /'blaui/ adj. blowzy /'blauzi/

(-ier, -iest)

adj.

(-ier,

windy, -iest)

1

coarse-looking; red-faced. 2 slovenly. [obsolete blowze beggar's wench] blub v. (-bb-) slang sob. [shortening of

blubber]

blubber -n. whale fat. -v.

1 sob loudly. 2 sob out (words), -adj. swollen, thick, [probably imitative] bludgeon /'bL\d3(a)n/ -n. heavy club. -v. 1 beat with this. 2 coerce, [origin

unknown] blue /blu:/

-adj. (bluer, bluest) 1 having the colour of a clear sky. 2 sad, depressed. 3 pornographic (a blue film). 4 politically conservative, -n. 1 blue colour or pigment. 2 blue clothes or material (dressed in blue). 3 person who represents a university in a sport, esp. Oxford or Cambridge. 4 Conservative party supporter, -v. (blues, blued, bluing or blueing) 1 make blue. 2 slang once in a blue moon very squander. rarely, out of the blue unexpectedly.

[French from Germanic] n. baby with a blue complexion due to a congenital heart defect. bluebell n. woodland plant with bellshaped blue flowers. blueberry n. (pi. -ies) small blue-black edible fruit of various plants. blue blood n. noble birth. Blue Book n. report issued by Parliament or the Privy Council.

blue baby

bluebottle

boater

86

bluebottle n. large buzzing fly; blowfly, blue cheese n. cheese with veins of blue mould.

bluster

-v. 1 behave pompously or boisterously. 2 (of the wind etc.) blow

bombastic talk; empty blustery adj. [imitative]

-n.

fiercely,

blue-collar attrib. adj. (of a worker or work) manual; industrial.

blue-eyed boy n. colloq. favourite. blue funk n. colloq. terror or panic. bluegrass n. a kind of instrumental country-and-western music. v. censor or cut

blue-pencil

threats,

BM abbr. British Museum. 2 Bachelor of Medicine. BMA abbr. British Medical Association. B.Mus. abbr. Bachelor of Music. BMX ,bi:em'eks organized bicycle1

n. 1

(a

manu-

script, film. etc.).

Blue Peter

racing on a dirt-track. 2 bicycle used for this, [abbreviation of bicycle moto-

n. blue flag with a white square flown by a ship about to leave

BO abbr.

port.

boa

blueprint

photographic print of plans in white on a blue background. 2 n.

1

detailed plan.

blue rinse blues n.pl.

n. bluish dye for grey hair. 1 (prec. by the) bout of depression. 2 a (prec. by the; often treated as sing.) melancholic music of Black American origin, usu. in a twelve-bar sequence, b (pi. same) (as sing.) piece of

such music (played a blues).

bluestocking

n. usu. derog. intellectual or literary woman. [18th-c. Blue Stocking Society! blue tit n. common tit with a blue crest, blue whale n. rorqual, the largest known living mammal, bluff —17. pretend strength, confidence. etc. -n. act of bluffing, z call a person's

bluff challenge a person to prove a claim. [Dutch bluffen brag] bluff -adj. 1 blunt, frank, hearty. 2 vertical or steep and broad in front, -n. [origin headland, or steep cliff 2

unknown] bluish 'blu:ij

adj. fairly blue,

blunder -n. serious or foolish mistake. —r 1 make a blunder. 2 move clumsily: stumble, [probably Scandinavian] hist. n. 'bL\nd9,bAS short large-bored gun. [Dutch donderbus thunder gun] blunt -adj. 1 not sharp or pointed. 2 direct, outspoken, -v. make blunt or less sharp, z bluntly adv. (in sense 2 of adj.). bluntness n. {probably Scandinavian] blur -v. (-rr-) make or become unclear or less distinct; smear, -n. blurred object, sound, memory, etc. [perhaps related to bleary]

blunderbuss

blurb

promotional description, esp. of a book, [coined by G. Burgess 1907] blurt v. (usu. foil, by out) utter abruptly, n.

thoughtlessly, or tactlessly, [imitative] blush -v. 1 a become pink in the face from embarrassment or shame, b (of the face) redden thus. 2 feel embarrassed or ashamed. 3 redden, -n. 1 act of blushing. 2 pink tinge. [Old English] blusher n. rouge.

cross] colloq.

body odour.

large snake which kills by crushing and suffocating. 2 long stole of feathers or fur. [Latin] boa constrictor n. species of boa. boar n. 1 male wild pig. 2 uncastrated male pig. [Old English] board -n. 1 a flat thin piece of sawn timber, usu. long and narrow, b material resembling this, of compressed fibres, c thin slab of wood etc. d thick stiff card used in bookbinding. 2 provision of regular meals, usu. with accommodation, for payment. 3 directors of a company; official administrative body. 4 (in pi. ) stage of a theatre. 5 side of a ship. -v. 1 go on board (a ship, train, etc.). 2 receive, or provide with, meals and usu. lodging. 3 (usu. foil, by up) cover with boards; seal or close, z go by the board be neglected or discarded, on board on or on to a ship, aircraft, oil rig, etc. take on board consider, take notice of; accept. [Old English] boarder n. 1 person who boards, esp. at a boarding-school. 2 person who boards a ship, esp. an enemy. board-game n. game played on a board. boarding-house n. unlicensed establishment providing board and lodging, 'baua

n. 1

esp. to holiday-makers. n. school in which pupils live in term-time. boardroom n. room in which a board of directors etc. meets regularly. boast -v. 1 declare one's virtues, wealth, etc. with excessive pride. 2 own or have with pride (hotel boasts a ballroom), -n. 1 act of boasting. 2 thing one

boarding-school

is

proud

of.

boastful

[Anglo-French] given to boasting,

adj.

c

boastfully adv. -n. 1 small vessel propelled on water by an engine, oars, or sails. 2 any ship. 3 long low jug for sauce etc. -v. go in a boat, esp. for pleasure, z in the same boat having the same problems.

boat

[Old English]

boater brim.

n.

flat-topped straw hat with a

boat-hook boat-hook

n.

boat-house n. waterside shed

for hous-

ing boats. n.

rowing or sailing as recre-

ation.

boatman

n. person who hires out boats or provides transport by boat.

boat people n.pl. refugees travelling by sea.

boatswain

/'baus(9)n/ n. (also bosun, bo'sun) ship's officer in charge of equip-

ment and crew. boat-train n. train scheduled

to

meet

or go on a boat.

bob

-v. (-bb-) 1 move quickly up and down. 2 (usu. foil, by back, up) bounce or emerge buoyantly or suddenly. 3 cut 1

(the hair) in a bob. 4 curtsy. -n. 1 jerking or bouncing movement, esp. upward. 2 hairstyle with the hair hanging evenly

above the shoulders. 3 weight on a pendulum etc. 4 horse's docked tail. 5 curtsy, [imitative]

bob

2

(pi.

n.

(now =

same)

5 pence), [origin

unknown]

n. bob's your uncle slang expression of completion or success,

form of Robert]

bobbin

/'bDbm/ n. spool or reel for [French] bobble /'bDb(a)l/ n. small woolly ball on [diminutive of bob ] etc. a hat

thread

etc.

1

bobby [Sir

n.

(pi -ies) colloq. police officer.

Robert Peel,

19th-c.

statesman]

bob-sled n. US = bob-sleigh. bob-sleigh -n. mechanically-steered and -braked racing sledge, -v. race in a bob-sleigh.

bobtail with

n. 1

docked

tail.

2 horse or dog

this.

Boche

/bDjV n. slang derog. German, esp. a soldier. [French] bod n. colloq. person, [shortening of

body]

bode

v.

(-ding) be a sign

bode well

(or ill) be a

sign. [Old English] bodega /bau'di:ga/

n.

of,

portend.

good (or bad)

cellar or

shop

selling wine. [Spanish] bodge var. of botch. /'bDdis/ n. 1 part of a woman's dress above the waist. 2 woman's vestlike undergarment, [originally pair of

bodice

bodies]

bodily

/'bDdili/

-adj. of the body. -adv.

as a whole body (threw them bodily). 2 in the flesh, in person, bodkin /'bDdkm/ n. blunt thick needle for drawing tape etc. through a hem. [origin uncertain] body /'bDdi/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 whole physical structure, including the bones, flesh, and organs, of a person or an animal, 1

alive. 2

= trunk

3

2.

central part; bulk or majority (body of opinion). 4 a group regarded as a unit, b (usu. foil, by of) collection (body of facts). 5 quantity (body of water). 6 piece of matter (heavenly body). 7 colloq. person. 8 full or substantial quality of flavour, tone, etc. in a body all together. [Old English] body-blow n. severe setback. body-building n. exercises to enlarge and strengthen the muscles. bodyguard n. person or group escorting and protecting another.

body language

n. communication through gestures and poses.

body odour

n. smell of the human body, esp. when unpleasant. body politic n. nation or State as a corporate body. body shop n. workshop where body-

work

is

repaired.

body stocking

n.

garment covering the slang shilling

hist,

bob 3 [pet

whether dead or

main or

ing boats.

boating

Bohemian

87

long hooked pole for mov-

woman's undertorso.

bodysuit n. close-fitting all-in-one garment for women, worn esp. for sport.

bodywork

n.

outer shell of a vehicle.

Boer lbo:(v)l-n. South African of Dutch descent, -adj. of the Boers. [Dutch,

=

farmer]

boffin ist,

/'bofin/ n. colloq.

research scient-

unknown]

[origin

a wet spongy ground, b stretch of this. 2 slang lavatory, -v. (-gg-) (foil, by down; usu. in passive) impede (bogged down by snow). boggy adj. (-ier, -iest). [Irish or Gaelic bogach] bogey 1 1'bdugil n. (pi. -eys) Golf 1 score of one stroke more than par at any hole. 2 (formerly) par. [perhaps from Bogey,

bog-rc.

1

as an imaginary player]

bogey 2 /'baugi/ n. -ies) 1 evil

(also bogy) (pi. -eys or or mischievous spirit; devil. 2

awkward

thing. 3 slang piece of dried nasal mucus, [originally (Old) Bogey the Devil] n. (also bogyman) frighten-

bogeyman ing person

boggle

etc.

/'bDg(9)l/

v.

(-ling) colloq.

startled or baffled (esp. the gles),

[probably

bogie

/'baugi/ n.

below

a

mind

be

bog2

boggle bogey wheeled undercarriage

dial,

locomotive

]

etc.

[origin

unknown]

bogus

/'baugas/ adj. sham, spurious, [origin unknown] bogy var. of bogey 2 var. of bogeyman. /b8u'hi:mi8n/-rc. 1 native of Bohemia, a Czech. 2 (also bohemian) socially unconventional person, esp. an .

bogyman Bohemian

1 of Bohemia or its bohemian) socially

artist or writer. -adj.

people.

2

(also

boil

to essentials. 3 (foil, by to) amount to. boil over 1 spill over in boiling. 2 lose one's temper. [Latin bullio to bubble] boil 2 n. inflamed pus-filled swelling under the skin. [Old English] boiler n. 1 apparatus for heating a hotwater supply. 2 tank for heating water or turning it to steam. 3 tub for boiling laundry etc. 4 fowl etc. for boiling. boiler-room n. room with a boiler and other heating equipment, esp. in a base-

ment.

boiler suit n. protective outer garment of trousers and jacket in one. boiling adj. colloq. very hot. boiling-point n. 1 temperature at which a liquid begins to boil. 2 great excitement.

boisterous

/'boistaras/ adj.

1

noisily

exuberant, rough. 2 (of the sea etc.) stormy, [origin unknown] bold /t>9uld/ adj. 1 confidently assertive; adventurous, brave. 2 impudent. 3 vivid (bold colours). make (or be) so bold boldly as to presume to; venture to. adv. boldness n. [Old English] bole n. trunk of a tree. [Old Norse]

bolero

bomber jacket

38

unconventional. bohemianism n. [Bohemia, part of Czechoslovakia] 1 boil -v. 1 a (of a liquid) start to bubble up and turn into vapour on reaching a certain temperature, b (of a vessel) contain boiling liquid (kettle is boiling). 2 a bring to boiling-point, b cook in boiling liquid, c subject to boiling water, e.g. to clean. 3 a move or seethe like boiling water, b be very angry, -n. act or process of boiling; boiling-point (on the boil; bring to the boil). boil down 1 reduce in volume by boiling. 2 reduce

n. (pi. -s) 1

/ba'learau/

Spanish

dance, or the music for it, in triple time. 2 /'bnterau/ woman's short open jacket. [Spanish] boll /baul/ n. round seed-vessel of cotton, flax, etc. [Dutch] bollard /'bolaid/ n. 1 short post in the road, esp. on a traffic island. 2 short post on a quay or ship for securing a rope, [perhaps related to bole] bollocking /'bolakin/ n. (also ballocking) coarse slang severe reprimand. bollocks /'bnlaks/ n. (also ballocks) coarse slang 1 (usu. as int.) nonsense. 2 1 testicles. [Old English: related to ball ] boloney /balauni/ n. (also baloney) slang nonsense, [origin uncertain] Bolshevik /'boljavik/ -n. 1 hist, member of the radical faction of the Russian Social Democratic Party becoming the Communist Party in 1918. 2 Russian Communist. 3 any revolutionary social-adj. 1 of the Bolsheviks. 2 ist,

Bolshevism

Communist. shevist

n.

[Russian, =

n.

Bol-

member

of the

majority]

Bolshie

Bolshy) slang

(also

/'bDlJi/

-adj. (usu. bolshie) 1 uncooperative; bad-tempered. 2 left-wing. -n. (pi. -ies) Bolshevik, [abbreviation] bolster /'b3ulsta(r)/ -n. long cylindrical pillow, -v. (usu. foil, by up) encourage, support, prop up. [Old English] bolt 1 /bault/ -n. 1 sliding bar and socket used to fasten a door etc. 2 large metal pin with a thread, usu. used with a nut, to hold things together. 3 discharge of lightning. 4 act of bolting, -v. 1 fasten with a bolt. 2 (foil, by in, out) keep (a person etc.) in or out by bolting a door. 3 fasten together with bolts. 4 a dash off suddenly, b (of a horse) suddenly gallop out of control. 5 gulp down (food) unchewed. 6 (of a plant) run to seed. -adv. (usu. in bolt upright) rigidly, stiffly. bolt from the blue complete surprise. [Old English]

bolt 2 etc.).

/bault/

(also boult) sift (flour

v.

[French]

bolt-hole

n.

means

bomb /bDm/ -n.

of escape.

container filled with explosive, incendiary material, etc., designed to explode and cause damage. 2 (prec. by the) the atomic or hydrogen bomb. 3 slang large sum of money (cost a bomb). -v. 1 attack with bombs; drop

bombs

1

on. 2 (usu.

foil,

by along,

off)

like a bomb go very quickly. colloq. 1 very successfully. 2 very fast. [Greek bombos hum] bombard /bDm'baid/ v. 1 attack with heavy guns or bombs etc. 2 (often foil, by with) question or abuse persistently. 3 Physics direct a stream of high-speed colloq.

bombardment n. [Latin: particles at. related to bomb] bombardier /,bDmba'di8(r)/ n. 1 noncommissioned officer in the artillery. 2 US crew member in an aircraft who aims and releases bombs. bombast /'bmnbaest/ n. pompous language;

bombastic

hyperbole.

/-'baestik/ adj.

[earlier

bombace cotton

wool]

Bombay duck

/bDm'bei/ n. dried fish as a relish, esp. with curry, [corruption of bombil, native name of fish] bombazine /'bDmb8,zi:n/ n. twilled worsted dress-material. [Greek bombux silk]

bomber

/'bDma(r)/

n.

1

aircraft

equipped to drop bombs. 2 person using bombs, esp. illegally. bomber jacket n. jacket gathered at the waist and cuffs.

bombshell bombshell

slang very attractive woman. n. area where bombs have

bomb-site

caused destruction. fide /.bauna "faidi/ -adj. genuine; sincere, -adv. genuinely; sincerely.

bona

bonanza

/ba'naenza/ n. 1 source of wealth or prosperity. 2 large output

of a

mine).

[Spanish,

=

fair

weather]

bon-bon

bonfire

large open-air fire, esp. for burning rubbish, [from bone (because bones were once used), fire] bongo /'bDngau/ n. (pi -s or -es) either of a pair of small drums usu. held between the knees and played with the fingers. n.

[American Spanish]

bonhomie

[Latin]

(esp.

boogie

89

overwhelming surprise or disappointment. 2 artillery bomb. 3 n. 1

sweet. [French bon good] bond -n. 1 thing or force that unites or (usu. in pi.) restrains. 2 binding agreement. 3 Commerce certificate issued by a government or a company promising to repay borrowed money at a fixed rate of interest. 4 adhesiveness. 5 Law deed binding a person to make payment to another. 6 Chem. linkage between atoms in a molecule, -v. 1 hold or tie together. 2 connect or reinforce with a bond. 3 place (goods) in bond. in bond stored by Customs until duty is paid, [var. of band] bondage n. 1 slavery. 2 subjection to constraint etc. 3 sexual practices involving constraint. [Anglo-Latin: related to n.

bondsman]

bonded adj.

stored in or for storing in bond {bonded whisky, warehouse). 2 (of a debt) secured by bonds. bond paper n. high-quality writingpaper. bondsman n. serf, slave. [Old English 1

bonda husbandman] -n. 1 any piece of hard tissue making up the skeleton in vertebrates. 2

bone

remains, b body. 3 material of bones or similar material, e.g. ivory. 4 thing made of bone. 5 (in pi) essentials (the bones of an agreement). 6 strip of stiffening in a corset etc. -v. (-ning) 1 remove the bones from. 2 stiffen with bone etc. bone up (often foil, by on) colloq. study intensively, have a bone to pick (usu. foil, by with) have cause for dispute (with a person), make no bones about 1 be frank about. 2 not hesitate or boneless adj. [Old English] scruple. bone china n. fine china made of clay (in pi.) a skeleton, esp. as

/.bonn'mi:/ n. good-natured friendliness. [French] bonk -v. 1 bang, bump. 2 coarse slang

have sexual intercourse (with), -n. instance of bonking (bonk on the head). [imitative] /'bunkaz/ predic. adj. slang crazy, [origin unknown] bon mot /bo 'mau/ n. (pi bons mots /-mauz/) witty saying. [French]

bonkers

bonnet /'burnt/ chin,

worn

esp.

a hat tied under the by babies, b Scotsman's n. 1

floppy beret. 2 hinged cover over a vehicle's engine. [French] bonny /'bom/ adj. (-ier, -iest) esp. Scot. & N.Engl. 1 a physically attractive, b healthy-looking. 2 good, pleasant, [perhaps from French bon good]

bonsai

/'bonsai/ n. (pi. same) 1 dwarfed tree or shrub. 2 art of growing these.

[Japanese]

bonus

/'baunas/ n. extra benefit or pay-

ment. [Latin, = good]

bon vivant

/,b5 vi:'vd/ n. (pi.

bon voyage

/,b5 vwa:'ja:3/ int. expression of good wishes to a departing traveller. [French] bony /'bauni/ adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 thin with prominent bones. 2 having many bones. boniness n. 3 of or like bone. boo -int. 1 expression of disapproval etc. 2 sound intended to surprise, -n. utterance of boo, esp. to a performer etc. -v. (boos, booed) 1 utter boos. 2 jeer at by booing, [imitative] boob 1 colloq. -n. 1 silly mistake. 2 foolish person, -v. make a silly mistake, [shortening of booby]

boob 2

n. slang uncertain]

woman's

adj.

bone-idle

adj. utterly idle.

booby

n. (pi. -ies) stupid or childish person. [Spanish bobo] n. prize given for coming

booby prize booby trap

completely dry.

form of a

n. 1

practical joke in the

trap. 2 disguised explosive

bone-marrow

device triggered by the

bone-meal

tim.

n. = marrow 2. crushed bones, esp. as a

unknowing

vic-

slang money, esp. boodle gained or used dishonestly. [Dutch boe/'bu:d(a)l/ n.

fertilizer.

bone of contention

n.

source of

dis-

pute.

boneshaker

breast, [origin

last.

mixed with bone ash.

bone-dry

n.

bon or

bons vivants pronunc. same) person fond of good food and drink. [French]

n.

able old vehicle.

decrepit or uncomfort-

del possessions] /buigi/ v. (-ies, -ied, slang dance to pop music.

boogie

-ieing)

boogie-woogie style of

playing blues or jazz on the piano, gin

[ori-

unknown]

book

/buk/ -n.

a written or printed with pages bound along one side, 1

work b work intended for publication. 2 bound blank sheets for notes, records, etc. 3 bound set of tickets, stamps, matches,

4 (in pi.) set of records or division of a large literary work. 6 telephone directory. 7 colloq. magazine. 8 libretto, script, etc. 9 record of bets. -v. 1 a (also absol.) reserve (a seat etc.) in advance, b engage (an entertainer etc.). 2 a take the personal details of (an offender or rulebreaker), b enter in a book or list. book in register at a hotel etc. book up 1 buy tickets in advance. 2 (as booked up) with all places reserved, bring to book call to account, go by the book proceed by the rules, in a person's good (or bad) books in (or out of) favour with a person. [Old English] bookbinder n. person who binds books for a living, z bookbinding n. bookcase n. cabinet of shelves for books. etc.

main

accounts. 5

book club

booty

90

boogie-woogie /,bu:gi'wu:gi/ n.

Boolean logic

use of 'and', 'or', and in retrieving information from a

'not'

n.

database. 1 -n. deep resonant sound. — v. make or speak with a boom, [imitative] 2 —n. period of economic prosperity or activity, -v. be suddenly prosperous, [perhaps from boom 1 ] boom 3 n. 1 pivoted spar to which a sail is attached. 2 long pole carrying a microphone, camera, etc. 3 barrier across a harbour etc. [Dutch, = beam] boomerang /'buima.raerj/ -n. 1 flat Vshaped hardwood missile used esp. by Australian Aboriginals, able to return to its thrower. 2 plan that recoils on its originator, -v. (of a plan etc.) backfire. [Aboriginal] boon 1 n. advantage; blessing. [Old Norse] boon 2 adj. intimate, favourite (usu.

boom

boom

boon companion). [French bon from Latin bonus good] ill-mannered person, z boorish adj. [Low German or Dutch] boost colloq. -v. 1 promote or encourage. 2 increase, assist. 3 push from

boor n.

which selected

below, -n. act or result of boosting,

books are available cheaply, book end n. prop used to keep books

[origin unknown] booster n. 1 device for increasing power

society in

n.

upright.

bookie

= bookmaker.

/'buki/ n. colloq.

[abbreviation] reservation or engagement,

booking n.

booking-hall

booking-office) ticket office at a railway station etc. bookish adj. 1 studious; fond of reading. 2

n. (also

having knowledge mainly from

books.

bookkeeper

n.

who keeps

person

counts, esp. for a living.

ing

ac-

bookkeep-

n.

booklet /'buklit/ n. small book usu. with a paper cover.

bookmaker bets.

n.

professional taker of

bookmaking

bookmark

n.

thing used to

n.

mark

a

reader's place.

book-plate

n.

decorative personalized

label stuck in a book.

bookseller

dealer in books. bookshop n. shop selling books. bookstall n. stand selling books, newspapers, etc. n.

book token

n.

voucher exchangeable

for books.

bookworm n.

1

colloq.

devoted reader.

2 larva feeding on the paper

and glue

in

books.

Boolean

denoting a systo represent logical propositions. [Boole, name of a mathematician] /'bu:lian/ adj.

tem of algebraic notation

or voltage. 2 auxiliary engine or rocket for initial speed. 3 dose, injection, etc. renewing the effect of an earlier one.

boot

1

-^. 1 outer foot-covering reaching above the ankle. 2 luggage compart-

ment

of a car. 3 colloq. a firm kick, b by the) dismissal (got the boot), kick. 2 (often foil, by out) eject forcefully. 3 (usu. foil, by up) make (a put the boot in 1 computer) ready. kick brutally. 2 harm a person. [Old (prec.

-v.

1

Norse]

boot 2

n. to boot as well, in addition. [Old English] n. US person who polishes boots and shoes. bootee /bu:'ti:/ n. baby's soft shoe. booth /bu:67 n. 1 small temporary structure used esp. as a market stall. 2 enclosure for telephoning, voting, etc. 3 cubicle in a restaurant etc. [Old Norse] bootleg -adj. (esp. of alcohol) smuggled, illicit, -v. (-gg-) illicitly make or bootlegger n. deal in (alcohol etc.). bootlicker n. colloq. toady. who cleans shoes boots n. hotel servant

bootblack

etc.

bootstrap n. loop used to pull a boot on. pull oneself up by one's bootstraps better oneself.

booty

/'bu:ti/ n.

1

loot, spoil. 2 colloq.

prize or gain. [German]

booze booze

bossy

91

alcoholic drink, -v. (-zing) drink alcohol, esp. to excess.

boredom

boozy

boric acid

colloq. -n.

adj. (-ier, -iest). [Dutch] boozer n. colloq. 1 habitual drinker. 2

public house.

booze-up

ri.

slang drinking bout.

bop' colloq. -n. 1 a spell of dancing, esp. to pop music, b social occasion for this. 2 = bebop. -v. (-pp-) dance, esp. to pop music,

bop-

bopperrc. [abbreviation] punch, esp.

colloq. -v. (-pp-) hit or

-n. esp. light blow or hit. [imitat-

BORE 2

n. state

of being bored, [from

]

/'bo:nk/ n. acid derived from borax, used as an antiseptic. born adj. 1 existing as a result of birth. 2 a of natural ability or quality (a born

b (usu.

leader),

foil,

by

to

+

infin.)

destined (born lucky, born to be king). 3 (in comb.) of a certain status by birth (French-born; well-born), [past part, of

BEAR

1

]

born-again attrib.

boracic /ba'raesik/ adj. of borax, boracic acid n. = boric acid.

adj. converted (esp. fundamentalist Christianity), borne /bo:n/ past part, of bear 1 -adj. (in comb.) carried by (airborne).

borage

boron

lightly.

to

ive]

/'bDnd3/

it

plant with leaves

used as flavouring. [French ultimately from Arabic] borax /'ba:raeks/ n. salt used in making glass and china, and as an antiseptic. [French ultimately from Persian]

Bordeaux /bo:'dau/ n. wine

(pi.

same /-'dauz/)

from the Bordeaux disFrance. border -n. 1 edge or boundary, or the part near it. 2 a line or region separating two countries, b (the Border) boundary between Scotland and England (usu. the Borders), or N. Ireland and the Irish Republic. 3 esp. ornamental strip round an edge. 4 long narrow flower-bed (herbaceous border), -v. 1 be a border to. 2 provide with a border. 3 (usu. foil, by on, upon) a adjoin; come close to being, b resemble. [French from Germanic: related to board] Border collie n. sheepdog of the North Country. borderer n. person living near a bor(esp. red)

trict in

SW

der.

borderland

n. 1 district

near a border.

2 condition between two extremes. 3 area for debate. borderline —n. 1 line dividing two conditions. 2 line marking a boundary. -adj. 1 on the borderline. 2 barely acceptable.

Border terrier

n.

small rough-haired

terrier.

bore

1

-v. (-ring)

make

1

(a hole), esp.

with a revolving tool. 2 make a hole in, hollow out. -n. 1 hollow of a firearm barrel or of a cylinder in an internalcombustion engine. 2 diameter of this. 3 deep hole made esp. to find water. [Old English] -n. tiresome or dull person or thing, -v. (-ring) weary by tedious talk bored adj. boring adj. or dullness.

bore 2

[origin

unknown]

bore 3

n. high tidal wave in an estuary. [Scandinavian] bore 4 past of bear 1

.

,

/'borrnn/

non-metallic usu. crystalline element, [from borax, after carbon] borough /'bAra/ n. 1 a town represented in the House of Commons, b town or district granted the status of a borough. 2 hist, town with a municipal corporation conferred by a royal charter. [Old English] borrow /'bDrau/ v. 1 a acquire temporarily, promising or intending to return, b obtain money thus. 2 use (another's idea, invention, etc.); plagiarize. borrower n. [Old English]

Borstal

n.

/'bo:st(a)l/ n.

institution for in Kent]

hist,

residential

youth custody. [Borstal

Usage This term has now been replaced by detention centre and youth custody centre. bortsch

/bo:tJ7 n.

Russian soup of beet-

root, cabbage, etc. [Russian]

borzoi /'bo:zoi/ n. large silky-coated dog. [Russian, = swift]

bosh n. & int.

slang nonsense. [Turkish,

= empty]

bosom

/'buz(a)m/ n.

1

a person's (esp.

woman's) breast, b colloq. each of a woman's breasts, c enclosure formed by the breast and arms. 2 emotional centre (bosom of one's family). [Old English] bosom friend n. intimate friend. boss colloq. -n. employer, manager, or supervisor, -v. (usu. foil, by about, 1

around) give orders to; order about. [Dutch baas] 1 round knob, stud, etc., esp. on the centre of a shield. 2 Archit. ornamental carving etc. at the junction of the

boss 2 n.

ribs in a vault. [French] /.DDsa 'nauva/ n. 1 dance like the samba. 2 music for this. [Portuguese, = new flair] boss-eyed adj. colloq. 1 cross-eyed; blind in one eye. 2 crooked, [boss = bad shot, origin unknown]

bossa nova

bossy ing.

adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq.

bossiness

n.

domineer-

bosun

bound

92

bosun (also bo'sun) var. of boatswain. botany /'botani/ n. the study of plants.

bottomless

botanic /ba'taenik/ adj. botanical /ba't2emk(a)l/ adj. botanist n. [Greek botane plant] botch (also bodge) -v. 1 bungle; do badly. 2 patch clumsily, -n. bungled or spoilt work, [origin unknown] both /bauG/ -adj. & pron. the two, not only one (both boys; both the boys; both of the boys; I like both), -adv. with equal truth in two cases (is both hot and dry). [Old Norse] bother /'bDd8(r)/ -v. A trouble; worry, disturb. 2 (often foil, by about, with, or to

bottom line

+ infin.) take the time or trouble (didn *t bother to tell me; shan't bother with dessert), -n. 1 a person or thing that bothers, b minor nuisance. 2 trouble, worry. -int. expressing irritation. [Irish

bodhraim deafen] / bDda reiJ(9)n/ = bother n., int.

botheration

,

1

n.

&

int.

colloq.

bothersome

/'bDdasam/ adj. causing

bother

bottle

/'bDt(a)l/ -n. 1 container, esp. glass or plastic, for storing liquid. 2 amount filling it. 3 baby's feeding-bottle. 4 = hot-water bottle. 5 metal cylinder for liquefied gas. 6 slang courage, -v. (-ling) 1 put into, or preserve in, bottles or jars. 2 (foil, by up) conceal or restrain (esp. a feeling). hit the bottle slang drink heavily, [medieval Latin: related

4 to BUTT ] bottle bank

place for depositing bottles for recycling, bottle-feed v. feed (a baby) from a bottle as opposed to the breast, bottle green adj. & n. (as adj. often hyphenated) dark green, bottleneck n. 1 narrow congested area, esp. on a road. 2 impeding thing, n.

bottlenose dolphin

n. dolphin with a bottle-shaped snout. bottle party n. party to which guests bring bottles of drink. bottom /'bntam/ -n. 1 a lowest point or part, b base, c underneath part, d furthest or inmost part. 2 colloq. a buttocks, b seat of a chair etc. 3 a less honourable end of a table, class, etc. b

person occupying this (he's bottom of the class). 4 ground below water. 5 basis or origin. 6 essential character, -adj. lowest, last. —v. 1 put a bottom to (a chair etc.). 2 find the extent of. 3 touch at the bottom or lowest point (of). bottom basically, be at the bottom of have caused, bottom out reach the lowest level, get to the bottom of fully investigate and explain. [Old English] bottom drawer n. linen etc. stored by a woman for marriage.

adj.

without a bottom. 2

1

inexhaustible. colloq.

n.

underlying

truth; ultimate, esp. financial, criterion, n. poisoning / bDtju liz(a)m/ caused by a bacillus in badly preserved food. [Latin botulus sausage]

botulism

,

1

boucle

/'bu:klei/ n. 1 looped or curled (esp. wool). 2 fabric made of this. [French, = curled]

yarn

boudoir

/'bu:dwa:(r)/ n.

woman's

pri-

vate room. [French bouder sulk] bouffant /'bu:fd/ adj. (of a dress, hair, etc.) puffed out. [French]

bougainvillaea

/,bu:gan'vili9/ n. trop-

with large coloured bracts. [Bougainville, name of a navigator] bough /bau/ n. main branch of a tree. [Old English] bought past and past part, of buy. bouillon /'bu:jon/ n. clear broth. [French bouillir to boil] boulder /'baolda(r)/ n. large smooth rock. [Scandinavian] ical plant

boule

/bu:l/ n. (also boules pronunc. same) French form of bowls played on rough ground. [French] boulevard /'bu:la,va:d/ n. 1 broad treelined avenue. 2 esp. US broad main road. [French from German] boult var. of bolt 2 .

bounce -v.

(-cing) 1 (cause to) rebound. 2 slang (of a cheque) be returned by a

bank when there are no funds to meet it. (foil, by about, up, in, out, etc.) jump, move, or rush boisterously, -n. 1 a

3

rebound, b power of rebounding. 2 colloq. a swagger, self-confidence, b liveliness. bounce back recover well after a setback. bouncy adj. (-ier, -iest). [imitative]

bouncer

n. 1 slang doorman ejecting troublemakers from a dancehall, club,

etc.

2

= bumper

bouncing

3.

adj. (esp. of a

baby) big and

healthy.

bound

1

-v. 1 spring, leap. 2 (of a ball bounce, -n. 1 springy leap. 2 bounce. [French bondir from Latin bombus hum] bound 2 -n. (usu. in pi.) 1 limitation; restriction. 2 border, boundary, -v. 1 out of limit. 2 be the boundary of. bounds outside a permitted area. [French from medieval Latin] etc.)

bound 3 adj.

1

(usu.

foil,

by for) starting

or having started (bound for stardom). 2 (in comb.) in a specified direction (northbound). [Old Norse, = ready] bound 4 past and past part, of bind. bound to certain to (he's bound to come), bound up with closely associated with.

boundary /'baondari/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 line marking the limits of an area etc. 2 Cricket hit crossing the limits of the held, scoring 4 or 6 runs, [related to

bound 2

!

bounden duty

/'baund(a)n/ n. formal responsibility, [archaic past

solemn

part, of bind]

bounder

n. colloq.

poet.

=

bountiful. [French: related to bounty] bountiful /'baunti.ful/ adj. 1 generous. 2 ample. /'baunti/ n. (pi. -ies)

1

gener-

reward, esp. from the State. 3 [French from Latin bonus good]

osity. 2 gift.

bouquet

/bu:'kei/ n. 1 bunch of flowers, esp. professionally arranged. 2 scent of wine etc. 3 compliment. [French bois

wood]

bouquet garni

/,bu:'kei 'ga:ni/ n. {pi.

bouquets garnis /,bu:keiz 'ga:ni/) bunch or bag of herbs for seasoning. bourbon /'b3:ban/ n. US whisky from maize and rye. [Bourbon County, Kentucky] /'bua3wa:/ often derog. -adj. middle-class, b materialistic. 2 capitalist, -n. (pi. same) bourgeois person. [French]

conventionally

a

bourgeoisie

/,bua3wa:'zi:/ n.

1

capit-

middle class. [French] /bo:n/ n. small stream, [var. of

alist class. 2

bourn BURN

2 ]

bourse

/buas/ n. 1 (Bourse) Paris Stock Exchange. 2 money-market. [French:

related to purse] n. 1 (often foil, by of) a spell (of work or activity), b attack (bout offlu). 2 wrestling- or boxing-match, [obsolete

bout

bought bending]

boutique /bu:'ti:k/ n.

small shop selling esp. fashionable clothes. [French] bouzouki /bu:'zu:ki/ n. (pi. -s) Greek

form of mandolin, [modern Greek]

bovine

/'bauvain/ adj. 1 of cattle. 2 stupid, dull. [Latin bos ox]

spongiform bovine opathy see BSE.

bow

bow down 1 bend or kneel esp. in

submission or reverence. 2 make stoop; crush (bowed down by care), bow out 1 exit (esp. formally). 2 withdraw; retire, take a bow acknowledge applause. [Old English]

bow 3 /bau/ n. 1 (often in pi.) front end of a bowdlerize

/'baudla.raiz/

v.

German

(also -ise)

book etc.). bowdlerization /-'zeiJX9)n/ n. [Bowdler, name of an expurgator of

(-zing or -sing) expurgate (a

Shakespeare] /'baual/ n. 1 (often in pi.) = intestine. 2 (in pi.) innermost parts. [Latin botulus sausage]

bowel

bower

/'baua(r)/ n. 1 arbour; summerhouse. 2 poet, inner room. [Old English, = dwelling] bowerbird n. Australasian bird, the male of which constructs elaborate runs. bowie /'baui/ n. (in full bowie knife) a kind of long hunting-knife. [Bowie, name of an American soldier] bowl /baul/ n.1a usu. round deep basin for food or liquid, b contents of a bowl. 2 hollow part of a tobacco-pipe, spoon, etc. bowlful n. (pi. -s). [Old English] 1

bourgeois 1

toady,

boat. 2 rower nearest this. [Low or Dutch: related to bough]

cad.

boundless adj. unlimited, bounteous /'bauntias/ adj.

bounty

bowman

83

boundary

encephal-

/bau/ -n. 1 a slip-knot with a double loop, b ribbon etc. so tied. 2 curved piece of wood etc. with a string stretched across its ends, for shooting 1

arrows. 3 rod with horsehair stretched along its length, for playing the violin etc. 4 shallow curve or bend; thing of this form. -v. (also absol.) use a bow on (a violin etc.). [Old English] bow 2 /bau/ -p. 1 incline the head or body, esp. in greeting or acknowledgement. 2 submit (bowed to the inevitable). 3 cause (the head etc.) to incline. bow and scrape -n. act of bowing.

bowl2 /baul/ -rc. 1 hard heavy ball, made with a bias to run in a curve. 2 (in pi. usu. treated as sing.) game played with these on grass. 3 spell or turn of bowling in cricket. -u.1a roll (a ball etc.). b play bowls. 2 (also absol.) Cricket etc. a deliver (a ball, over, etc.). b (often foil, by out) dismiss (a batsman) by knocking down the wicket with a ball. 3 (often foil, bowl out by along) go along rapidly. Cricket etc. dismiss (a batsman or a side), bowl over 1 knock down. 2 colloq. impress greatly, overwhelm. [Latin bulla bubble] ;

bow-legs legged

n.pl.

bandy

bow-

legs.

adj.

Cricket etc. player bowler bowls. 2 bowls-player. 1

2

bowler

n.

1

n. (in full

hard round

who

bowler hat) man's

felt hat.

[Bowler,

name

of a

hatter]

bowline /'baulin/ n. 1 rope from a ship's bow keeping the sail taut against the wind. 2 knot forming a non-slipping loop at the end of a rope. bowling n. the game of skittles, tenpin bowling, or bowls. bowling-alley n. 1 long enclosure for skittles or tenpin bowling. 2 building with these. bowling-green n. lawn for playing bowls.

bowman n.

archer.

bowsprit

brad

94

bowsprit

/'bauspnt/ n. spar running forward from a ship's bow. bowstring n. string of an archer's bow. bow-tie n. necktie in the form of a bow.

boy -rc. 1 male child, son. 2 young man. 3

bow-window n.

boycott

curved bay window,

bow-wow -int. /bau'wau/ imitation of a dog's bark. -n. /'bauwau/ colloq. dog. [imitative]

box

1

container, usu. flat-sided and in a box. 3 compartment, e.g. in a theatre or lawcourt. 4 receptacle or kiosk for a special purpose (often in comb.: money box; telephone box). 5 facility at a newspaper office for receiving replies to an advertisement. 6 (prec. by the) colloq. television. 7 enclosed area or space. 8 area of print enclosed by a border. 9 light shield for the genitals in cricket etc. 10 (prec. by the) Football colloq. penalty area. - v. 1 put in or provide with a box. 2 (foil, by in, up) confine. [Latin buxis: 3 related to box ] box 2 take part in boxing, b fight (an opponent) at boxing. 2 slap (esp. a person's ears). -n. hard slap, esp. on the

-n.

firm. 2

1

amount contained

-a1a

ears, [origin

unknown]

box3 n.

1 small evergreen tree with dark green leaves. 2 its fine hard wood. [Latin buxus, Greek puxos] Box and Cox n. two people sharing

accommodation

etc. in shifts,

[names of

characters in a play (1847)] simple box-shaped n.

box camera camera.

n. 1 person who boxes, esp. as a sport. 2 medium-size short-haired dog with a puglike face. boxer shorts n.pl. men's loose underpants like shorts. box girder n. hollow girder square in

boxer

cross-section. fighting with the a sport.

boxing n.

Boxing Day

fists,

esp. as

weekday after Christmas, [from box from the custom n.

first 1

,

of giving Christmas-boxes] boxing glove n. each of a pair of heavily padded gloves worn in boxing,

box junction n. road area marked with a yellow grid, which a vehicle should enter only if its exit is clear, box number n. number for replies to a private advertisement in a newspaper, box office n. ticket-office at a theatre etc.

box pleat

n. arrangement of parallel pleats folding in alternate directions. boxroom n. small room for storing boxes, cases, etc. box spring n. each of a set of vertical springs in a frame, e.g. in a mattress,

boxwood n. boxy

= box 3

2.

adj. (-ier, -iest)

cramped.

male servant etc. -int. expressing pleasure, surprise, etc. boyhood n. boyish adj. [origin uncertain] 1 refuse to have commercial relations with (a person, country, etc.). 2 refuse to handle (goods), -n. such a refusal. [Capt. Boycott, so treated from 1880] boyfriend n. person's regular male companion or lover. boyo /'boiau/ n. (pi. -s) Welsh & Ir. colloq. (esp. as a form of address) boy, mate. boy scout n. = scout n. 4.

/'boikDt/ -v.

social or

BP

abbr. 1 boiling-point. 2 blood pressure. 3 before the present (era). 4 British Petroleum. 5 British Pharmacopoeia.

Bq abbr.

BR abbr.

becquerel. British Rail.

Br symb.

bromine.

bra /bra:/ women to

n.

undergarment worn by

support the breasts, [abbre-

viation]

brace -n.

device that clamps or fastens timber etc. strengthening a framework. 3 (in pi.) straps supporting trousers from the shoulders. 4 wire 1

tightly. 2

device for straightening the teeth. 5 (pi. same) pair (esp. of game). 6 rope for trimming a sail. 7 connecting mark { or } in printing, -v. (-cing) 1 make steady by supporting. 2 fasten tightly to make firm. 3 (esp. as bracing adj.) invigorate, refresh. 4 (often refl.) prepare for a difficulty, shock, etc. [Latin bracchia

arms]

brace and bit

n.

revolving tool for

boring, with a D-shaped central handle.

bracelet /'breislit/ n. 1 ornamental band or chain worn on the wrist or arm. 2 slang handcuff.

brachiosaurus /.breikia'soiras, .braek-/ (pi. -ruses) plant-eating dinosaur with forelegs longer than its hind legs. [Latin from Greek brakhion arm, sauros lizard] bracken /'braekan/ n. 1 large coarse fern. 2 mass of these. [Old Norse]

n.

bracket

/'braekit/ -n. 1 (esp. angled) support projecting from a vertical surface. 2 shelf fixed to a wall with this. 3 each of a pair of marks () [] {} enclosing words or figures. 4 group or classification (income bracket), -v. (-t-) 1 enclose in brackets. 2 group or classify together. [Latin bracae breeches] brackish /'braekiJV adj. (of water etc.) slightly salty. [Low German or Dutch]

bract

n.

leaf-like

and often brightly

coloured part of a plant, growing before the flower. [Latin bractea thin sheet] brad n. thin flat nail with a head on only one side. [Old Norse]

bradawl bradawl

for boring holes by hand.

brae brei/ n. Scot, hillside. [Old Norse] brag -r (-gg-) talk boastfully, -n. 1 Card-game like poker. 2 boastful ment or talk, [origin unknown]

braggart

brandy butter

95 braedo:l/ n. small pointed tool

state-

/'braeg3t/-/z. boastful person.

-adj. boastful.

Brahma /'bra:ma/ n.

braise /breiz/ v.

(-sing) stew slowly with a little liquid in a closed container. [French braise live coals] brake 1 -n. 1 (often in pi) device for

stopping or slowing a wheel, vehicle, etc. 2 thing that impedes, -v. (-king) 1 apply a brake. 2 slow or stop with a brake, [probably obsolete brake = curb]

1 Hindu Creator. 2 supreme divine Hindu reality. [Sans-

brake 2

creator] /'bra:man/ n. (also brahman) (pi. -s) 1 (also Brahmin) member of the highest or priestly Hindu caste. 2 = Brahma 2. Brahmanic /-'maenik/

brake 3

krit,

Brahman

adj.

Brahmanism

n.

braid -n.

1 woven band as edging or trimming. 2 US plait of hair. -v. 1 US plait. 2 trim with braid. braiding n.

[Old English]

Braille /breil/ -n. system of writing and printing for the blind, with patterns of raised dots. -v. (-ling) print or transcribe in Braille. [Braille, name of its inventor] brain -n. 1 organ of soft nervous tissue in the skull of vertebrates, the centre of sensation and of intellectual and nervous activity. 2 a colloq. intelligent person, b (often in pi.) intelligence. 3 (usu. in pi; prec. by the) colloq. cleverest person in a group; mastermind. 4 electronic device functioning like a brain. 1 dash out the brains of. 2 colloq. strike hard on the head. on the brain colloq. obsessively in one's thoughts. [Old English] brainchild n. colloq. person's clever idea or invention. brain death n. irreversible brain damage causing the end of independent respiration, regarded as indicative of brain-dead adj. death. brain drain n. colloq. loss of skilled personnel by emigration.

brainless

brainpower n. mental ability or intelligence.

brainstorm

n.

1

sudden mental

dis-

turbance. 2 colloq. mental lapse. 3 US brainwave. 4 pooling of spontaneous brainideas about a problem etc. storming n. (in sense 4). brains trust n. group of experts answering questions, usu. publicly and

impromptu.

brainwash

v. implant ideas or esp. ideology into (a person) by repetition

etc.

brainwashing

brainwave

n. 1

n.

(usu. in pi.) electrical

impulse in the brain. 2 colloq. sudden bright idea.

brainy clever.

adj. (-ier, -iest) intellectually

-n.

1

estate

car.

[var.

of

toothed instrument for

crushing flax and hemp. 2 (in full brake harrow) heavy harrow, -v. (-king) crush (flax or hemp). [Low German or Dutch: related to break] brake 4 n. thicket or clump of brushwood. [Old English] brake drum n. cylinder attached to a wheel, on which the brake shoes press to brake.

brake horsepower

n.

power of an

engine measured by the force needed to brake it.

brake lining n.

strip of fabric increasing the friction of a brake shoe. brake shoe n. long curved block which presses on a brake drum to brake. bramble /'braemb(a)l/ n. wild thorny shrub, esp. the blackberry. brambly adj. [Old English] brambling /'braemblin/ n. the speckled finch. [German: related to bramble] bran n. grain husks separated from flour. [French] branch /bra:ntJ7 -n. 1 limb of a tree or bough. 2 lateral extension or subdivision, esp. of a river, road, or railway. 3 subdivision of a family, knowledge, etc. 4 local office etc. of a large business, -y. (often foil, by off) 1 diverge. 2 divide into branches. branch out extend one's field of interest. [Latin

branca paw]

brand -n.1a particular make of goods, b identifying trade mark, label,

etc.

2

by of) characteristic kind (brand of humour). 3 identifying mark burned esp. on livestock. 4 iron used for this. 5 piece of burning or charred wood. (usu.

adj. foolish.

large

n.

break]

foil,

6 stigma; mark of disgrace. 7 poet, torch, -u. 1 mark with a hot iron. 2 stigmatize (branded him a liar). 3 impress unforgettably. 4 assign a trademark etc. to. [Old English] brandish /'braendiJV v. wave or flourish as a threat or display. [French from

Germanic]

brand-new adj. completely new. brandy /'braendi/ n. (pi. -ies) strong alcoholic spirit distilled

fermented

fruit juice.

from wine or

[Dutch brandew-

ijn]

brandy butter butter,

n.

and sugar.

mixture of brandy,

brandy-snap brandy-snap

n.

bread wafer usu. filled with cream. n. lucky dip with prizes hidden in bran.

bran-tub

brash

vulgarly

adj.

self-assertive;

brashly adv. brashness

impudent. n. [dial.]

brass /bra:s/-rc. and

1

yellow alloy of copper

zinc. 2 brass objects collectively. 3

brass wind instruments. 4 slang money. 5 brass memorial tablet. 6 colloq. effrontery, -adj. made of brass. brassed off slang fed up. [Old English] brass band n. band of brass instruments. brasserie /'braesari/ n. restaurant, orig. one serving beer with food. [French brasser brew] brassica /'braesika/ n. plant of the cabbage family. [Latin, = cabbage] brassiere /'braezia(r)/ n. = bra. [French] brass monkey n. coarse slang used in various phrases to indicate extreme cold.

brass-rubbing

n. 1 practice of taking impressions by rubbing heelball etc. over paper laid on engraved brasses. 2 impression obtained by this. brass tacks n.pl. slang essential details.

brassy like

of or vulgarly

/'brarsi/ adj. (-ier, -iest) 1

2

brass.

impudent.

3

showy. 4 loud and blaring.

brat

n.

usu. derog. child, esp. an

ill-

[origin unknown] 7bra'va:dao7 n. show of bold-

behaved one.

bravado

ness. [Spanish]

brave -adj.

1 able or ready to face and endure danger, disgrace, or pain. 2/or-

splendid, spectacular, -n. American Indian warrior, -v. (-ving) face bravely adv. bravely or defiantly. braveness n. bravery n. [ultimately

mal

Latin barbarus barbarian] /bra:'vau/ -int. expressing approval, -n. {pi. -s) cry of 'bravo'. [French from Italian] bravura /bra'vjuara/ n. 1 brilliance of execution. 2 (often attrib.) passage of (esp. vocal) music requiring brilliant technique. [Italian] brawl -n. noisy quarrel or fight, -v. 1 engage in a brawl. 2 (of a stream) run noisily. [Provencal]

bravo

brawn

n.

1

break

96

crisp rolled ginger-

muscular

strength.

2

muscle; lean flesh. 3 jellied meat made from a pig's head. brawny adj. (-ier, -iest). [French from Germanic] bray -n. 1 cry of a donkey. 2 harsh sound like this. -v. 1 make a bray. 2 utter harshly. [French braire] braze v. (-zing) solder with an alloy of brass and zinc. [French braser]

brazen

/'breiz(a)n/ -adj. 1 shameless; insolent. 2 of or like brass. 3 harsh in

sound, -v. (foil, by out) face or undergo defiantly (brazen it out). brazenly adv. [Old English]

brazier

1

/'breizia(r)/ n. metal pan or stand holding burning coals etc. [French: related to braise]

brazier2 /'breizia(r)/ n. worker in brass, [probably from brass] Brazil /bra'zil/ n. 1 tall S. American tree. 2 (in full Brazil nut) its large threesided nut. [Brazil in S. America] 1 (often foil, by of) breaking or non-observation of a law, contract, etc. 2 breaking of relations; quarrel. 3 opening, gap. -v. 1 break through; make a gap in. 2 break (a law, contract, etc.). step into the breach help in a crisis, esp. as a replacement. [Germanic: related to break] breach of promise n. breaking of a

breach -n.

promise, esp. to marry.

breach of the peace n. crime of causing a public disturbance. /bred/ —n. 1 baked dough of flour and water, usu. leavened with yeast. 2 necessary food. 3 slang money, -v. coat with breadcrumbs for cooking. [Old English] bread and butter -rc. one's livelihood. -attrib. adj. (bread-and-butter) done or produced to earn a basic living. breadboard n. 1 board for cutting bread on. 2 board for making an experimental model of an electric circuit. breadcrumb n. small fragment of bread, esp. (in pi) for use in cooking.

bread

breadfruit

n. 1 fruit

new bread when

which resembles

roasted. 2 tropical

evergreen tree bearing

breadline

n.

it.

subsistence level (esp. on

the breadline).

bread sauce

n. white sauce thickened with breadcrumbs. /bredG/ n. 1 distance or measurement from side to side of a thing. 2 freedom from prejudice or intolerance. [Old English: related to broad] breadwinner n. person who works to support a family. break /breik/ -v. (past broke; past part, broken /'braukan/) 1 a separate into pieces under a blow or strain; shatter, b make or become inoperative, c break a bone in or dislocate (part of the body). 2 a interrupt (broke our journey). b have an interval (broke for tea). 3 fail to keep (a law, promise, etc.). 4 a make or become subdued or weak; (cause to) yield; destroy, b weaken the effect of (a = break in 3c. 5 fall, blow, etc.). c surpass (a record). 6 (foil, by with) end a friendship with (a person etc.). 7 a be no

breadth

break

breath

97

longer subject to (a habit), b (foil, by of) free (a person) from a habit (broke them of their addiction). 8 reveal or be revealed (broke the news; story broke). 9 a (of fine weather) change suddenly, b (of waves) curl over and foam, c (of the day) dawn, d (of clouds) move apart, e (of a storm) begin violently. 10 Electr. disconnect (a circuit). 11a (of the voice) change with emotion, b (of a boy's voice) change at puberty. 12 a (often foil, by up) divide (a set etc.). b change (a banknote etc.) for coins. 13 ruin financially (see also broke adj.). 14 penetrate (e.g. a safe) by force. 15 decipher (a code). 16 make (a way, path, etc.) by 17 burst forth (sun broke force. through). 18 a (of troops) disperse in confusion, b rupture (ranks). 19 a (usu. foil, by free, loose, out, etc.) escape by a sudden effort, b escape or emerge from (prison, bounds, cover, etc.). 20 Tennis etc. win a game against (an opponent's service). 21 (of boxers etc.) come out of a clinch. 22 Billiards etc. disperse the balls at the start of a game. -n. 1 a act or instance of breaking, b point of breaking; gap. 2 interval, interruption; pause. 3 sudden dash (esp. to escape). 4 colloq. piece of luck; fair chance. 5 Cricket deflection of a bowled ball on bouncing. 6 Billiards etc. a series of points scored during one turn, b opening shot dispersbreak away make or ing the balls. become free or separate, break the back of do the hardest or greatest part of. break down 1 a fail mechanically; cease to function, b (of human relationships etc.) fail, collapse, c fail in (esp. mental) health, d collapse in tears or emotion. 2 a demolish, destroy, b suppress (resistance), c force to yield. 3

analyse into components, break even make neither profit nor loss, break a person's heart see heart, break the ice begin to overcome formality or shyness, break in 1 enter by force, esp. with criminal intent. 2 interrupt. 3 a accustom to a habit etc. b wear etc. until comfortable, c tame (an animal); accustom (a horse) to a saddle etc. break in on disturb; interrupt, break into 1 enter forcibly. 2 a burst forth with (a song, laughter, etc.). b change pace for (a faster one) (broke into a gallop). 3 interrupt, break off 1 detach by breaking. 2 bring to an end. 3 cease talking etc.

disband, break wind release gas from the anus. [Old English] breakable -adj. easily broken, -n.

breakable thing, 1 a broken thing, b damage caused by breaking. 2 act or instance of breaking. breakaway n. (often attrib.) breaking away; secession (breakaway group). (esp. in pi.)

breakage n.

break-dancing

n. 1 a mechanical failure. b loss of (esp. mental) health. 2 collapse of communication). 3

(breakdown

analysis (of statistics

breaker

n. 1

person or thing that breaks something, esp. disused machinery, /'brekfast/ -n. first meal of the day. -v. have breakfast, break-in n. illegal forced entry, esp. with criminal intent, breaking and entering n. (formerly) the illegal entering of a building with intent to commit a felony, breaking-point n. point of greatest

strain.

breakneck gerously

attrib. adj. (of

speed) dan-

fast.

break-out

n. forcible escape, n. 1 major advance or discovery. 2 act of breaking through an obstacle etc. breakup n. 1 disintegration or collapse. 2 dispersal. breakwater n. barrier breaking the force of waves. bream n. (pi same) 1 yellowish archbacked freshwater fish. 2 (in full sea bream) similar marine fish. [French

breakthrough

from Germanic]

breast /brest/ -n.1a

either of two milksecreting organs on a woman's chest, b corresponding part of a man's body. 2 a chest, b corresponding part of an animal. 3 part of a garment that covers the breast. 4 breast as a source of nourishment or emotion, -v. 1 contend with. 2 reach the top of (a hill). make a clean breast of confess fully. [Old English] breastbone n. thin flat vertical bone in the chest between the ribs. breast-feed v. feed (a baby) from the breast.

breastplate

n.

armour covering the

breast.

swimming stroke n. made by extending both arms forward

breast-stroke

covered in (a rash etc.). 4 exclaim, break up 1 break into small pieces. 2

breath

disperse; disband. 3 end the school term. 4 (cause to) terminate a relationship;

etc.).

heavy breaking wave. 2

breakfast

breastwork

forcibly,

acrobatic style of

breakdown

break out 1 escape by force, esp. from prison. 2 in) become by (foil, 3 begin suddenly.

break open open

n.

street-dancing.

and sweeping them back. n. low temporary defence or parapet. /breG/ n. 1 a air drawn into or expelled from the lungs, b one respiration of air. c breath as perceived by

Breathalyser

brickbat

98

the senses. 2 a slight movement of air. b whiff (of perfume etc.). 3 whisper, murmur (esp. of scandal). catch one's breath 1 cease breathing momentarily in surprise etc. 2 rest to restore normal breathing, hold one's breath cease breathing temporarily, out of breath

along, etc.) colloq. saunter casually, [probably Spanish and Portuguese briza] breeze 2 n. small cinders. [French: related to braise] breeze-block n. lightweight building block, esp. of breeze mixed with sand

gasping for air, esp. after exercise, take one's breath away surprise, delight, etc. under one's breath in a whisper.

breezy adj.

[Old English]

Breathalyser

/'breGa.laizafr)/ n. (also

-lyzer) propr. instrument for measuring alcohol levels in the breath exhaled

breathalyse v. (also -lyze) into it. (-sing or -zing), [from breath, analyse] breathe /bri:o/ v. (-thing) 1 draw air into and expel it from the lungs. 2 be or seem alive. 3 a utter or sound (esp. quietly), b express (breathed defiance). 4 pause. 5 send out or take in (as if) with the breath (breathed new life into them; breathed whisky). 6 (of wine etc.) be breathe again (or exposed to the air. freely) feel relief. breather /'bri:6a(r)/ n. 1 colloq. brief pause for rest. 2 brief period in the fresh air.

breathing-space

n.

time to recover;

breathless

adj. 1 panting, out of breath. 2 holding the breath. 3 still, breathlessly adv. windless.

breathtaking

adj.

astounding; awe-

breathtakingly adv.

inspiring.

breath test n. test with a Breathalyser. bred past and past part, of breed. breech n. back part of a rifle or gun barrel. [Old English]

breech birth n. (also breech delivery) delivery of a baby with the buttocks or

short trousers, esp. fastened below the knee. with canvas buoy lifebuoy breeches n. breeches for the user's legs. /'britjiz/ n.pl.

and past part, bred) 1 produce young. 2 propag-

-v. (past

(of animals)

ate; raise (animals). 3 yield; result in.

by

in, out,

(-ier, -iest) 1 slightly windy. 2 colloq. cheerful, light-hearted, casual.

Bren

Bren gun)

n. (in full

lightweight

machine-gun. [Brno in Czechoslovakia, Ercfield in England] brent n. (in full brent-goose) small migratory goose, [origin unknown] brethren see brother. quick-firing

Breton

/'bret(a)n/ -n. 1 native of Brittany. 2 Celtic language of Brittany. —adj. of Brittany, its people, or language. [French, = Briton] breve n. 1 Mus. note twice the length of a semibreve. 2 mark C) indicating a short or unstressed vowel, [var. of BRIEF]

breviary

/'briivian/ n. (pi. -ies)

Roman

containing the

book

Catholic daily

related to brief] /'breviti/ n. 1 economy of expression; conciseness. 2 shortness (of time etc.). [Anglo-French: related to office. [Latin:

brevity

brief] /bru:/

- v.

1 a make (beer etc.) by and fermentation, b by infusion. 2 undergo

infusion, boiling,

make

(tea etc.)

these processes. 3 gather force; threaten (storm is brewing). 4 concoct (a plan etc.). -n. 1 liquid or amount brewed; concoction. 2 process of brewing. brewer n. [Old brew up make tea. English] brewery /'bru:an/ n. (pi. -ies) factory for brewing beer etc. brew-up n. instance of making tea. briar 1 var. of brier 1 briar2 var. of brier 2 bribe -v. (-bing) (often foil, by to + .

feet foremost.

breeches

(foil,

and cement.

brew

pause.

breed

(-zing)

4

arise; spread. 5 bring up; train. 6 create (fissile material) by nuclear reaction. -n. 1 stock of similar animals or plants within a species, usu. developed by deliberate selection. 2 race; lineage. 3 breeder n. [Old English] sort, kind. breeder reactor n. nuclear reactor creating surplus fissile material. breeding n. 1 raising of offspring; propagation. 2 social behaviour; ancestry. breeze 1 -n. 1 gentle wind. 2 colloq. quarrel. 3 esp. US colloq. easy task. -v.

.

persuade to act improperly in one's favour by a gift of money etc. -n. or services offered in bribing. bribery n. [French briber beg] bric-a-brac /'bnka.braek/ n. (also bricinfin.)

money

a-brac) cheap ornaments, trinkets, etc. [French] brick -n. 1 a small usu. rectangular block of fired or sun-dried clay used in building, b material of this. 2 child's toy block. 3 brick-shaped thing. 4 slang generous or loyal person, -v. (foil, by in, up) close or block with brickwork, -adj. 1 built of brick (brick wall). 2 (also brick-red) dull red. [Low German or Dutch] brickbat n. 1 piece of brick, esp. as a missile. 2 insult.

brickie

i

n.

brickwork

building or

n.

work

in

brick.

brickyard

n.

place

where bricks are

made.

brier

2

/'braia(r)/ n. (also briar) 1 white heath of S. Europe. 2 tobacco pipe made

from its root. [French bruyere] Brig. abbr. Brigadier. brig n. two-masted square-rigged 1

ship,

[abbreviation of brigantine] brig 2 n. Scot. & N.Engl, bridge, [var. of

bridge 1 ]

bridal

/'braid(a)l/

adj.

of a bride or

wedding. [Old English]

bride n. woman on her wedding day and during the period just before and after it.

bring

99

brickie n. slang bricklayer, bricklayer n. person who builds with bricks. Mp. for a living, bricklaying

[Old English]

bridegroom

n. man on his wedding day and during the period just before and after it. [Old English] bridesmaid n. girl or unmarried woman attending a bride at her wed-

brigade

/bri'geid/ n. 1 military unit, usu. three battalions, as part of a division. 2 group organized for a special purpose. [Italian briga strife]

brigadier /,bnga'di3(r)/ commanding a brigade. 2 similar standing.

brigand

/'brigand/ n.

1

thing joining or connecting. 2 operational superstructure on a ship. 3 upper bony part of the nose. 4 piece of wood on a violin etc. over which the strings are stretched. 5 = bridgework. -v. (-ging) 1 be or make a bridge over. 2 reduce (a gap, deficiency, etc.). [Old English] bridge 2 n. card-game derived from whist, [origin unknown] bridgehead n. fortified position held on the enemy's side of a river etc. bridge roll n. small soft bread roll. bridgework n. Dentistry dental structure covering a gap, joined to the teeth on either side. bridging loan n. loan to cover the interval between buying a house etc. and selling another. bridle /'braid(a)l/ -n. 1 headgear for controlling a horse, including reins and bit. 2 restraining thing. -v. (-ling) 1 put a bridle on. 2 curb, restrain. 3 (often foil, by up) express anger, offence, etc., esp. by throwing up the head and drawing in the chin. [Old English] (also bridle-way) rough path for riders or walkers. /bri:/ n. a kind of soft cheese. [Brie in N. France]

bridle-path n.

Brie

of short duration. 2 concise; abrupt, brusque. 3 scanty (brief skirt), -n. 1 (in pi.) short pants. 2 a summary of a case drawn up for counsel, b piece of work for a barrister. 3 instructions for a task. 4 papal letter on discipline, -v. 1 instruct (a barrister) by brief. 2 inform or instruct in advance.

brief -adj.

1

hold a brief for argue in favour of. briefly adv. in brief to sum up. briefness

n.

[Latin brevis short]

briefcase n. flat document case. brier /'braia(r)/ n. (also briar) wild rose 1

or other prickly bush. [Old English]

member

of a rob-

brigandage

ber band; bandit.

n. [It-

alian brigante: related to brigade]

brigantine

ding.

bridge -n. 1 a structure providing a way across a river, road, railway, etc. b

1 n. officer staff officer of

/'bngan.tiin/ n.

two-masted

ship with a square-rigged foremast and a fore-and-aft rigged mainmast. [French or Italian: related to brigand] bright /braitl-adj. 1 emitting or reflecting much light; shining. 2 intense, vivid. 3 clever. 4 cheerful, -adv. esp. poet. brightly. brightly adv. brightness n. [Old English] brighten v. make or become brighter.

Bright's disease disease. [Bright,

brill

1

n.

[origin

kidney

/braits/ n.

name

of a physician]

same) European

(pi.

flat-fish.

unknown]

brill 2 adj. colloq.

= brilliant

adj. 4.

[abbreviation]

brilliant /'bnliant/ -adj.

1

very bright;

sparkling. 2 outstandingly talented. 3 showy. 4 colloq. excellent, -n. diamond of the finest cut with many facets. brilliance n. brilliantly adv. [French briller shine, from Italian]

brilliantine

/'briljan.tim/ n. dressing

for making the hair glossy. [French: related to brilliant] brim -n. 1 edge or lip of a vessel. 2 projecting edge of a hat. -v. (-mm-) fill brim over or be full to the brim. overflow, [origin unknown] brim-full adj. (also brimful) filled to

the brim.

brimstone

n.

archaic sulphur, [from

1

burn stone] brindled /'bnnd(a)ld/ adj. (esp. of domestic animals) brown or tawny with ,

streaks of another colour. [Scandinavian] brine n. 1 water saturated or strongly impregnated with salt. 2 sea water. [Old English] bring v. (past and past part, brought /bro:t/) 1 come carrying; lead, accompany; convey. 2 cause or result in (war brings misery). 3 be sold for; produce as income. 4 a prefer (a charge), b initiate (legal action). 5 cause to become or to

bring-and-buy sale

broad-leaved

100

reach a state (brings me alive; cannot bring myself to agree). 6 adduce (evidence, an argument, etc.). bring about cause to happen, bring back call to mind, bring down 1 cause to fall. 2 lower (a price), bring forth 1 give birth

Britannia metal n.

2 cause, bring forward 1 move to an earlier time. 2 transfer from the previous page or account. 3 draw attention to. bring home to cause to realize fully, bring the house down receive rapturous applause, bring in 1 introduce. 2 yield as income or profit, bring off achieve successfully, bring on cause to happen, appear, or make progress, bring out 1 emphasize; make evident. 2 publish, bring over convert to one's own side, bring round 1 restore to consciousness. 2 persuade, bring through aid (a person) through adversity, esp. illness, bring to restore to

British

to.

silvery alloy of tin,

antimony, and copper.

Britannic /bri'taenik/ adj. (esp. in His or Her Britannic Majesty) of Britain. Briticism /'briti,siz(9)m/ n. idiom used only in Britain, [after Gallicism] /'britiJV -adj. of Great Britain, the British Commonwealth, or their people, -n. (prec. by the; treated as pi.) the British people. [Old English] British English n. English as used in Great Britain. British Legion n. = Royal British Legion.

summer time

n.

= summer

British thermal unit

n.

amount

British TIME.

of

up

heat needed to raise 1 lb of water through one degree Fahrenheit, equivalent to 1.055 x io 3 joules. Briton /'bnt(9)n/ n. 1 inhabitant of S. Britain before the Roman conquest. 2 native or inhabitant of Great Britain.

[Old English]

brittle

consciousness (brought him to), bring 1 rear (a child). 2 vomit. 3 call attention to. 4 (absol.) stop suddenly.

bring-and-buy sale

n.

charity sale at

[Latin Britto -onis] /'bnt(a)l/ adj.

hard and

which people bring items for sale and buy those brought by others. 1 extreme edge of land before a

brittle-bone disease

precipice, river, etc. 2 furthest point

broach

brink n.

before danger, discovery, etc. on the brink of about to experience or suffer; in imminent danger of. [Old Norse] brinkmanship n. pursuit (esp. habitual) of danger etc. to the brink of catastrophe. briny -adj. (-ier, -iest) of brine or the sea; salty, -n. (prec. by the) slang the sea.

briquette

/bn'ket/ n. block of compressed coal-dust as fuel. [French diminutive: related to brick]

brisk

-adj. 1 quick, lively, keen (brisk pace, trade). 2 enlivening (brisk wind), -v. (often foil, by up) make or grow briskly adv. briskness n. brisk. [probably French brusque] brisket /'bnskit/ n. animal's breast, esp. as a joint of meat. [French] brisling /'brizlin/ n. small herring or sprat. [Norwegian and Danish] bristle /'bris(a)l/ -n. short stiff hair, esp. one on an animal's back, used in brushes, -v. (-ling) 1 a (of hair) stand upright, b make (hair) do this. 2 show irritation. 3 (usu. foil, by with) be covered or abundant (in). bristly adj. (-ier, -iest).

Brit

[Old English] British person, [abbrevi-

n. colloq.

ation]

Britannia tion

/bri'taenja/

n.

personifica-

of Britain, esp. as a helmeted with shield and trident. [Latin]

woman

fragile;

apt to break. brittlely adv. (also brittly). [Old English] n.

= osteoporo-

sis.

-v. 1 raise for discussion. 2 pierce (a cask) to draw liquor. 3 open and start using, -n. 1 bit for boring. 2 roasting-spit. [Latin broccus projecting] broad /bro:d/ -adj. 1 large in extent from one side to the other; wide. 2 in breadth (two metres broad). 3 extensive (broad acres). 4 full and clear (broad daylight). 5 explicit (broad hint). 6 general (broad intentions, facts). 7 tolerant, liberal (broad view). 8 coarse (broad humour). 9 markedly regional (broad Scots), -n. 1 broad part (broad of the back). 2 US slang woman. 3 (the Broads) large areas of water in E. Anglia, formed where rivers widen. broadly adv. broadness n. [Old English] broad bean n. 1 bean with large edible flat seeds. 2 one such seed. broadcast -v. (past and past part. broadcast) 1 transmit by radio or television. 2 take part in such a transmission. 3 scatter (seed etc.). 4 disseminate (information) widely, -n. radio or television programme or transmission.

broadcaster

n.

broadcloth n. or

broadcasting

n.

fine cloth of wool, cotton,

silk.

broaden v. make or become broader, broad gauge n. railway track with

a

wider than standard gauge,

broad-leaved adj. and hard-timbered.

(of a tree)

deciduous

broadloom broadlOOm in

brother

101

adj. (esp. of carpet)

woven

broad widths.

broad-minded adj. tolerant, liberal, broadsheet n. 1 large-sized newspaper. 2 large sheet of paper printed side only.

on one

broadside n.

1 vigorous verbal attack. 2 simultaneous firing of all guns from one side of a ship. 3 side of a ship above the water between the bow and quarter. broadside on sideways on.

bromide

/'braumaid/ n. 1 any binary compound of bromine. 2 trite remark. 3 reproduction or proof on paper coated with silver bromide emulsion. bromine /'braumi:n/ n. poisonous liquid element with a choking smell.

[Greek bromos stink]

bronchial

broccoli

/'bronkial/ adj. of the bronchi (see bronchus) or of the smaller tubes into which they divide. bronchitis /bmn'kaitis/ n. inflammation of the mucous membrane in the bronchial tubes. bronchus /'bronkas/ n. (pi. -chi /-kai/) either of the two main divisions of the windpipe. [Latin from Greek] bronco /'bronkau/ n. (pi -s) wild or halftamed horse of the western US. [Span-

brochure

brontosaurus

broadsword

n.

broad-bladed sword,

for cutting rather than thrusting. /bra'keid/ -n. rich fabric woven with a raised pattern, -v. (-ding) weave in this way. [Italian brocco

brocade

twisted thread] /'brokali/ n. brassica with greenish flower-heads. [Italian] /'brauja(r)/ n. pamphlet or booklet, esp. with descriptive information. [French brocher stitch]

broderie anglaise

/.braudari d'gleiz/

open embroidery on white linen etc. [French, = English embroidery] brogue /braug/ n. 1 strong outdoor shoe with ornamental perforations. 2 rough shoe of untanned leather. [Gaelic and Irish brog from Old Norse] brogue 2 /braug/ n. marked accent, esp. Irish, [perhaps related to brogue ] broil v. esp. US 1 grill (meat). 2 make or become very hot, esp. from the sun. [French bruler burn] broiler n. young chicken for broiling or n.

1

1

roasting.

broke past of break, predic.

adj. colloq.

having no money.

broken

past part, of break, adj. 1 having been broken. 2 reduced to despair; beaten. 3 (of language) badly spoken, esp. by a foreigner. 4 interrupted {broken sleep). broken-down adj. 1 worn out by age, use, etc. 2 not functioning.

broken-hearted with

adj.

overwhelmed

grief.

broken home

n. family disrupted by divorce or separation.

broker

n. 1

agent; middleman. 2

mem-

ber of the Stock Exchange dealing in stocks and shares. 3 official appointed to sell or appraise distrained goods. brokin g n. [Anglo-French] In sense 2, brokers have officially been called broker-dealers in Oct. 1986, and entitled to since the UK act as agents and principals in share dealings.

Usage

brokerage

n.

broker's fee or commis-

sion.

brolly

/'broli/ n.

(pi.

brella, [abbreviation]

-ies) colloq.

um-

ish,

= rough]

/.bronta'sairas/ n. (pi -ruses) large plant-eating dinosaur with a long whiplike tail. [Greek bronte thunder, sauros lizard] bronze -n. 1 alloy of copper and tin. 2 its brownish colour. 3 thing of bronze, esp. a sculpture, —adj. made of or coloured like bronze, -v. (-zing) make or

become brown;

tan. [French

from

It-

alian]

Bronze Age

Archaeol period when weapons and tools were usu. made of n.

bronze.

bronze medal

n.

medal, usu. awarded

as third prize.

brooch

/brautJV n. ornamental hinged pin. [French broche: related to broach] brood -rc. 1 young of esp. a bird born or hatched at one time. 2 colloq. children in a family, -v. 1 worry or ponder (esp. resentfully). 2 (of a bird) sit on eggs to

hatch them. [Old English]

broody

adj. (-ier, -iest) 1

(of a hen)

wanting to brood. 2 sullenly thoughtful. 3 colloq. (of a woman) wanting pregnancy.

brook

1 /bruk/ n. small stream. [Old English] brook 2 /bruk/ v. (usu. with neg.) literary tolerate, allow. [Old English]

broom

n. 1 long-handled brush for sweeping. 2 shrub with bright yellow flowers. [Old English]

broomstick

n.

handle of a broom.

(esp. in the name of a firm). thin soup of meat or fish stock. [Old English] brothel /'brD6(a)l/ n. premises for prostitution, [originally = worthless fellow, from Old English] brother /'brAoa(r)/ n. 1 man or boy in relation to his siblings. 2 close male friend or associate. 3 (pi also brethren /'breorm/) a member of a male religious

Bros. abbr. Brothers

broth n.

brother german

B.th.u.

102

order, esp. a monk, b fellow Christian etc. 4 fellow human being, brotherly adj. [Old English] brother german see german. brotherhood n. 1 relationship between brothers. 2 association of people with a common interest. 3 community of feeling between human beings.

brunch

brother-in-law

wire. etc. set into a block, for cleaning, painting, arranging the hair, etc. 2 act of brushing. 3 (usu. foil, by with) short esp. unpleasant encounter. 4 fox's bushy tail. 5 piece of carbon or metal as an electrical contact esp. with a moving part. 6 = brushwood 2. -u. 1 sweep, scrub, treat, or tidy with a brush. 2 remove or apply with a brush. 3 graze in passing, z brush aside dismiss curtly or lightly, brush off dismiss abruptly, brush up 1 clean up or smarten. 2 revise (a subject). [French] brush-off n. abrupt dismissal. brush-up n. act of brushing up.

n.

{pi.

brothers-

-in-law) 1 one's wife's or husband's brother. 2 one's sister's or sister-inlaw's husband. brought past and past part, of bring.

brouhaha

'bru:ha:,ha:

n.

commotion;

sensation. [French] brau n. 1 forehead. 2 eyebrow. 3 summit of a hill etc. 4 edge of a cliff etc. [Old English] browbeat v. {past -beat; past part. -beaten) intimidate, bully. brown braun -adj. 1 having the colour of dark wood or rich soil. 2 darkskinned or suntanned. 3 (of bread) made from wholemeal or wheatmeal flour, —it. 1 brown colour or pigment. 2 brown clothes or material, -v. make or become brown. : browned off colloq. fed up. brownish adj. [Old disheartened. English] brown bear n. large N. American brown bear. brown coal n. = lignite

brow

Brownie

n. 1 (in full

Brownie Guide)

junior Guide. 2 (brownie) small square of chocolate cake with nuts. 3 (brownie) benevolent elf. Brownie point n. colloq. notional

mark awarded

for

good conduct

browning n. additive brown owl n. 1 any

the tawny owl. 2 (Brown adult leader of Brownie Guides. esp.

brown

rice

n.

brow n sugar T

etc.

colour gravy. of various owls,

to

Owl)

unpolished rice. unrefined or partially

n.

refined sugar.

browse

brauz -v. (-sing) 1 read desultorily or look over goods for sale. 2 (often foil, by on) feed on leaves, twigs, etc. -n. 1 twigs, shoots, etc. as fodder. 2 act of browsing. [French brost bud] brucellosis ,bru:si'laosis n. bacterial disease, esp. of cattle. [Sir D. Bruce.

name

of a physician] bruise bru:z -n. 1 discolouration of the skin caused esp. by a blow. 2 similar damage on a fruit etc. -v. (-sing) 1 a inflict a bruise on. b hurt mentally. 2 be susceptible to bruising, [originally = crush, from Old English] bruiser n. colloq. 1 large tough-looking person. 2 professional boxer. bruit bru:t v. (often foil, by abroad,

about) spread (a report or rumour). [French. = noise]

n. combined breakfast lunch, [portmanteau word]

and

brunette bru:'net n. woman with dark brown hair. [French diminutive] brunt n. chief impact of an attack, task, bear the brunt

(esp.

etc.

[origin

of),

unknown]

brush

-n.

implement with

1

bristles,

hair.

brushwood 2 cut or

n. 1 undergrowth, thicket. broken twigs etc. n. 1 use of the brush in

brushwork

painting. 2 painter's style in this. brosk adj. abrupt or offhand. brusquely adv. brusqueness n. [Italian brusco sour] Brussels sprout 'brAs(a)lz n. 1 brassica with small cabbage-like buds on a stem. 2 such a bud. [Brussels in Bel-

brusque

gium]

brutal

1 savagely cruel. brutality -'taeliti brutally adv. [French:

adj.

'bru:t(a)l

2 harsh, merciless, z n.

(pi.

-ies).

related to brute]

brutalize

'bru:ta,laiz

(-zing or -sing) brutally.

1

make

(also -ise) v. brutal. 2 treat

brute

bru:t; -n. 1 a brutal or violent person, b colloq. unpleasant person or difficult thing. 2 animal, -attrib. adj. 1 unthinking {.bruteforce). 2 cruel; stupid; sensual, z brutish adj. brutishly adv. brutishness n. [Latin brutus stupid]

bryony

'braiani

plant with

n.

{pi.

red berries.

-ies)

climbing

[Latin

from

Greek]

BS abbr.

1

Bachelor of Surgery. 2 British

Standard(s).

B.Sc. abbr. Bachelor of Science. BSE abbr. bovine spongiform encephalopathy, a usu. fatal cattle disease. British Standards Institution. abbr. 1 British Summer Time. 2 bovine somatotrophin. a growth hormone added to cattle-feed to boost milk production. abbr. British Telecom. Bt. abbr. Baronet. B.th.u. abbr. (also B.t.u., BTU. B.Th.U.) British thermal unit(s).

BSI abbr.

BST

BT

bubble

bAb(a)l -n. 1 a thin sphere of liquid enclosing air etc. b air-filled cavity in a liquid or solidified liquid. 2 transparent domed canopy. 3 visionary or unrealistic project, -u. (-ling) 1 rise in or send up bubbles. 2 make the sound of boiling, bubble over (often foil, by with) be exuberant, [imitative] bubble and squeak n. cooked cabbage etc. fried with cooked potatoes.

bubble bath for

adding

to

n.

foaming preparation

bath water.

bubble car n. small domed car. bubble gum n. chewing-gum that can be blown into bubbles. -adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 having or like bubbles. 2 exuberant, -n. colloq.

bubbly

champagne. 'bju:bau n. (pi. -es) inflamed swelling in the armpit or groin. [Greek boubon groin] bubonic plague bjui'bonik/ n. conta-

gious disease with buboes.

buccaneer

,bAka'nia(r)/ n.

1

pirate. 2

unscrupulous adventurer. buccaneering n. & adj. [French] -n. 1 male deer, hare, rabbit, etc. 2 archaic dandy. 3 (attrib.) slang male. -v. 1 (of a horse) jump upwards with its back arched. 2 (usu. foil, by off) throw (a rider) in this way. 3 (usu. foil, by up) colloq. a cheer up. b hurry up; make an 1

effort.

[Old English]

buck 2

n.

US slang

dollar,

[origin

unknown]

buck

3

n. slang (in poker) article placed before the next dealer, z pass the buck

colloq. shift responsibility (to another),

unknown]

[origin

bucket

'b.\kit -n. 1 a round open container with a handle, for carrying or drawing water etc. b amount contained

in this. 2 (in pi.) colloq. large quantities, esp. of rain or tears. 3 scoop in a water wheel, dredger, etc. -v. (-t-) colloq. 1 (often foil, by down) (esp. of rain) pour heavily. 2 (often foil, by along) move or drive fast or bumpily. [Anglo-French] bucket seat n. seat with a rounded back for one person, esp. in a car.

bucket-shop n.

1 unregistered broking agency. 2 colloq. travel agency specializing in cheap air tickets. buckle 'bAk(a)l, -n. clasp with a hinged pin for securing a belt, strap, etc. -v.

by up, on, etc.) fasten foil, by up) (cause to) crumple under pressure, z buckie down make a determined effort. [Latin (-ling)

1

(often

foil,

with a buckle. 2 (often

buccula cheek-strap] n. hist, small round shield. buckram /'bAkram/ n. coarse linen etc. stiffened with paste etc. [French boquer-

buckler ant]

Buck's Fizz and orange London]

buckshee free

cocktail of champagne juice. [Buck's Club in

n.

& adv. slang [corruption of bak-

/bAk'Ji:/ adj.

of charge,

sheesh]

buckshot buckskin

n.

n.

skin. 2 thick cloth.

buckthorn

coarse lead shot, 1 leather from a buck's smooth cotton or woollen n.

thorny

shrub

with

berries formerly used as a purgative. buck-tooth n. upper projecting tooth. buckwheat n. seed of a plant related to rhubarb, used to make flour, or as an alternative to rice. [Dutch, = beech-

wheat]

bucolic

bubo

buck

buff

103

bubble

/bjui'kDlik/ -adj. of shepherds;

rustic, pastoral. -n. (usu. in pi. ) pastoral

poem

or poetry. [Greek boukolos herds-

man]

bud -n.

1 a knoblike shoot from which a stem, leaf, or flower develops, b flower or leaf not fully open. 2 asexual outgrowth from an organism separating to form a new individual, -v. (-dd-) 1 form buds. 2 begin to grow or develop (budding artist). 3 graft a bud of (a plant) on to another, [origin unknown] Buddha /'buda/ n. 1 title of the Indian philosopher Gautama (5th c. bc) and his successors. 2 sculpture etc. of Buddha. [Sanskrit, = enlightened] Buddhism /"budiz(a)m/ n. Asian religion or philosophy founded by Gautama Buddha, z Buddhist n. & adj.

buddleia

/'bAdlia/ n. shrub with fragrant flowers attractive to butterflies. [Buddie, name of a botanist]

buddy /'bAdi/ n. or

friend

(pi. -ies)

mate,

esp.

US colloq. from

[perhaps

brother]

budge v.

(-ging) (usu. with neg.) 1 move change an opinion, z budge up (or over) make room for

slightly. 2 (cause to)

another person by moving.

[French

bouger]

budgerigar

/'bAd3ari,ga:(r)/

n.

small

parrot, often kept as a cage-bird. [Aboriginal]

budget

/'bAd3it/ -n. 1

amount

of money

needed or available. 2 a (the Budget) Government's annual estimate or plan of revenue and expenditure, b similar estimate by a company etc. 3 (attrib.) inexpensive, -v. (-t-) (often foil, by for) allow or arrange for in a budget. budgetary adj. [Latin bulga bag] budgie /'bAd3i/ n. colloq. = budgerigar, [abbreviation] of a yellowish beige colour (buff envelope), -n. 1 this colour. 2 (in

buff -adj.

comb.) colloq. enthusiast (railway buff). 3 velvety dull-yellow ox-leather, -u. 1

buffalo

=

[originally

buffalo,

from French

sound a bugle. 2 sound (a call etc.) on a bugle, z bugler n. [Latin buculus young bull] (-ling)

1

bugloss

buffle)

buffalo

/'DAfa.lau/ n. (pi.

wild ox of Africa or Asia.

same or -es) 1 2 N. American

bison. [Greek boubalos ox] n. 1 thing that deadens impact, esp. a device on a train or at the end of a track. 2 substance that maintains the constant acidity of a solution. 3 Comput-

buffer

bulk buying

104

polish (metal etc.). 2 make (leather) velvety, z in the buff colloq. naked,

1

ing temporary

memory

area or queue

for data, [imitative]

buffer2 n. slang silly or incompetent old man. [perhaps from buffer buffer State n. small State between two 1

]

larger ones, regarded as reducing

fric-

tion.

buffet 1 /'bufei/ n. 1 room or counter where refreshments are sold. 2 selfservice meal of several dishes set out at once. 3 also /bAfit/ sideboard or recessed cupboard. [French, = stool]

buffet 2

/'bAfit/

-v.

(-t-) 1

strike repeat-

edly. 2 contend with (waves etc.). -n. 1 blow, esp. of the hand. 2 shock. [French

diminutive of bufe blow] n. railway coach serving refreshments. buffoon /ba'fuin/ n. clownish or stupid person, z buffoonery n. [Latin buffo clown] bug -n. 1 a any of various insects with mouthparts modified for piercing and sucking, b esp. US small insect. 2 slang virus; infection. 3 slang concealed microphone. 4 slang error in a computer program or system etc. 5 slang obsession, enthusiasm, etc. — v. (-gg-) 1 slang conceal a microphone in. 2 slang annoy, [origin unknown] bugbear n. 1 cause of annoyance. 2 object of baseless fear, [bug = bogey] bugger coarse slang (except in sense 2 of n. and 3 of v.) -n. 1 a unpleasant or awkward person or thing, b person of a specified kind (clever bugger!). 2 person who commits buggery, -v. 1 as an exclamation of annoyance (bugger it!). 2 (often foil, by up) a ruin; spoil, b

buffet car

exhaust. 3 commit buggery with. -int. expressing annoyance, z bugger-all nothing, bugger about (or around) (often foil, by with) mess about, bugger off (often in imper.) go away. [Latin

Bulgarus Bulgarian heretic]

buggery

n.

BESTIALITY

1

anal intercourse. 2

=

2.

buggy /'bAgi/ n. (pi.

-ies) 1 small, sturdy, motor vehicle. 2 lightweight push-chair. 3 light, horse-drawn vehicle for one or two people, [origin unknown] bugle /'bju:a(8)l/ -n. brass military instrument like a small trumpet, -v.

esp. open,

/'bjuiglDs/ n. plant with bright blue tubular flowers, related to borage. [French buglosse from Greek, = oxtongued] build /bild/ -v. (past and past part. built /bilt/) 1 construct or cause to be constructed. 2 a (often foil, by up) establish or develop (built the business up). b (often foil, by on) base (hopes, theories, etc.). 3 (as built adj.) of specified build (sturdily built), -n. 1 physical proportions (slim build). 2 style of construction; make, z build in incorporate, build on add (an extension etc.). build up 1 increase in size or strength. 2 praise; boost. 3 gradually become established. [Old English] builder n. person who builds, esp. a building contractor.

building

n.

1

permanent

fixed struc-

ture e.g. a house, factory, or stable. 2 constructing of these. building society n. public finance company paying interest to investors and lending capital for mortgages etc.

build-up n.

1 favourable advance publigradual approach to a climax. 3 accumulation or increase. built past and past part, of build. built-in adj. integral. built-up adj. 1 (of a locality) densely developed. 2 increased in height etc. by

city. 2

made of prefabricated parts. a globular base of the stem of

addition. 3

bulb

n. 1

some plants, sending roots downwards and leaves upwards, b plant grown from this, e.g. a daffodil. 2 = light-bulb. 3 object or part shaped like a bulb. [Latin bulbus from Greek, = onion] adj. bulb-shaped; fat or bulg-

bulbous ing.

bulge -n.

1

irregular swelling. 2 colloq.

temporary increase (baby bulge), -v. (ging) swell outwards, z bulgy adj. [Latin bulga bag] bulimia /bju:'limia/ n. (in full bulimia nervosa) disorder in which overeating alternates with self-induced vomiting, [Greek bous ox, limos etc.

fasting,

hunger] bulk-rc. 1 a size; magnitude (esp. large), b large mass, body, etc. c large quantity. 2 (treated as pi. & usu. prec. by the) greater part or number (the bulk of the applicants are women). 3 roughage. -v. 1 seem (in size or importance) (bulks large). 2 make (a book etc;) thicker etc. z in bulk in large quantities. [Old Norse] bulk buying n. buying in quantity at a discount.

bulkhead bulkhead n. aircraft, etc.

bulky adj.

(-ier, -iest)

awkwardly

large,

bulkiness n. bull bul n. 1 a uncastrated male bovine animal, b male of the whale, ele1

phant, etc. 2 (the Bull) zodiacal sign or constellation Taurus. 3 bull's-eye of a target. 4 person who buys shares hoping to sell them at a profit, take the bull by the horns face danger or a challenge bullish adj. [Old Norse] boldly, bull 2 /bul/ n. papal edict. [Latin bulla seal]

bull 3 /bul/ n. 1 slang a nonsense, b unnecessary routine tasks. 2 absurdly illogical statement, [origin

unknown]

bulldog

n. 1 short-haired heavy-jowled sturdy dog. 2 tenacious and courageous person. bulldog clip n. strong sprung clip for

papers.

bully

1

/'bull/

-n.

(pi. -ies)

person coerc-

ing others by fear. —v. (-ies, -ied) persecute or oppress by force or threats. -int. (foil, by for) often iron, expressing approval (bully for you). [Dutch] bully 2 /'bull/ (in full bully off) -n. (pi. -ies) start of play in hockey in which two

opponents strike each other's sticks three times and then go for the ball. -v. (-ies, -ied) start play in this way. [origin

unknown] bully 3 /'bull/ corned

n.

(in

full

bully beef)

beef. [French: related to boil 1 ]

bulrush /'bulrAj7 n.

1

a kind of tall rush.

2 Bibl. papyrus, [perhaps from bull = coarse + rush 2 ] bulwark /'bulwak/ n. 1 defensive wall, esp. of earth. 2 protecting person or 1

thing. 3 (usu. in pi.) ship's side

above

German or Dutch] slang buttocks, [origin uncer-

deck. [Low

bum

1

n.

tain]

bulldoze

v. (-zing) 1 clear with a bulldozer. 2 colloq. a intimidate, b make (one's way) forcibly. bulldozer n. powerful tractor with a broad vertical blade at the front for clearing ground. bullet /'bulit/ n. small pointed missile fired from a rifle, revolver, etc. [French diminutive of boule ball] bulletin /'bulitm/ n. 1 short official news report. 2 society's regular list of

information etc. 2 related to bull

[Italian

diminutive:

]

bulletproof

designed to protect

adj.

from bullets. bullfight n. public baiting, and usu. bullfighter n. bullkilling, of bulls, fighting

bumpkin

LOS

upright partition in a ship,

n.

bullfinch n. pink and black finch, bullfrog n. large N. American frog with a booming croak.

bull-headed n. obstinate, blundering. bullion 'bulian/ n. gold or silver in bulk before coining, or valued by weight. 1 [French: related to boil ] bullock /'bulak/ n. castrated male of domestic cattle. [Old English dimin1 utive of BULL ]

bullring

n. arena for bullfights. bull's-eye n. 1 centre of a target. 2 hard minty sweet. 3 hemispherical ship's window. 4 small circular window. 5 a hemispherical lens, b lantern with this. 6 boss of glass in a blown glass sheet. bullshit coarse slang -n. (often as int.) nonsense; pretended knowledge, -v. (-tt-) talk nonsense or as if one has bullshitspecialist knowledge (to). 3 ter n. [from bull bull-terrier n. cross between a bulldog and a terrier. ]

bum

2

US slang -n. loafer or tramp; dissolute person, -v. (-mm-) 1 (often foil, by around) loaf or wander around. 2 cadge, -attrib. adj. of poor quality. [Ger-

man Bummler loafer] bum-bag n. slang small pouch worn on a belt round the waist or hips. /'DAmb(a)l/ v. (-ling) 1 (foil, by on) speak in a rambling way. 2 (often as bumbling adj.) be inept; blunder, [from

bumble BOOM

1

]

bumble-bee

n.

large bee with a loud

hum.

bumf n. colloq.

usu. derog. papers, documents, [abbreviation of bum-fodder =

toilet-paper]

bump -n.

1

dull-sounding blow or

colli-

sion. 2 swelling or dent so caused. 3

uneven patch on a road etc. 4 prominence on the skull thought to indicate a mental faculty, -v. 1 a hit or come against with a bump, b (often foil, by against, into) collide. 2 (often foil, by against, on) hurt or damage by striking (bumped my head, the car). 3 (usu. foil, by along) move along with jolts, -adv. with a bump; suddenly; violently. : bump into colloq. meet by chance,

bump loq.

off slang murder, increase (prices etc.).

bump up colbumpy adj.

(-ier, -iest). [imitative]

bumper n.

1 horizontal bar at the front or back of a motor vehicle, reducing damage in a collision. 2 (usu. attrib.) unusually large or fine example (bumper crop). 3 Cricket ball rising high

after pitching. 4 brim-full glass.

bumper car n. = dodgem. bumpkin /'bAmpkm/ n.

rustic socially inept person. [Dutch]

or

bumptious bumptious

/'bAmpJas/ adj. offensively

self-assertive or conceited, [from after fractious]

bump,

n. 1 small sweet bread roll or cake, often with dried fruit. 2 hair coiled and pinned to the head, [origin unknown] bunch -n. 1 things gathered together. 2 collection; lot (best of the bunch). 3 colloq. group; gang. -v. 1 make into a bunch; gather into close folds. 2 form into a group or crowd, [origin unknown] bundle /'bAnd(a)l/ -n. 1 things tied or fastened together. 2 set of nerve fibres etc. 3 slang large amount of money, -v. (-ling) 1 (usu. foil, by up) tie or make into a bundle. 2 (usu. foil, by into) throw or move carelessly. 3 (usu. foil, by out, off, away, etc.) send away hurriedly.

be a bundle of nerves (or fun etc.) be extremely nervous (or amusing etc.). go a bundle on slang admire; like. [Low

-v.

1

stop with a bung. 2 slang throw, z bunged up blocked up. [Dutch] bungalow /'bAnga.lau/ n. one-storeyed house. [Gujarati, = of Bengal] /"t>And3i/

n.

(in

full

bungee

cord, rope) elasticated cord or rope used for securing baggage or in bungee

jumping.

bungee jumping

jumping from a height while secured by a bungee from the ankles or a harness. bungle /'bAng(a)l/-i>. (-ling) 1 mismanage or

n.

sport of

fail at (a task). 2

work badly or

clumsily, -n. bungled attempt or work, [imitative] bunion /'bAnjan/ n. swelling esp.

on the big

bunk

1

toe.

on the foot,

[French]

shelflike bed against a wall, esp. in a ship, [origin unknown] 2 slang -v. (often foil, by off) play n.

bunk

truant (from), -n. (in do a bunk) leave or abscond hurriedly, [origin unknown] 3 slang nonsense, humbug, n. [shortening of bunkum] bunk-bed n. each of two or more tiered beds forming a unit. bunker n. 1 container for fuel. 2 reinforced underground shelter. 3 sandy [origin golf-course, hollow in a

bunk

unknown]

bunkum

"bAnkam' n. nonsense, humbug. [Buncombe in US]

bunny /'bAni/ n.

(pi. -ies) 1 child's name for a rabbit. 2 (in full bunny girl) club hostess, waitress, etc., wearing rabbit ears and tail. [dial, bun rabbit]

Bunsen burner

/'bAntin/ n. small bird related

to the finches, [origin

unknown]

"bAntin n. 1 flags and other decorations. 2 loosely-woven fabric for /

unknown]

these, [origin

buoy

1 anchored float as a etc. 2 lifebuoy, -v. 1 (usu. foil, by up) a keep afloat, b encourage, uplift. 2 (often foil, by out) mark

-n.

/boi/

mark

navigation

with a buoy. [Dutch, perhaps from Latin boia collar]

buoyant keep

/'boiant/ adj.

afloat.

buoyancy

able or apt to

1

2 resilient; exuberant,

[French

n.

or

z Spanish:

related to buoy]

BUPA

/'bu:pa/ abbr. British United Provident Association, a private health insurance organization.

bur

n. 1 a prickly clinging seed-case or flower-head, b any plant having these. 2 clinging person. 3 var. of burr n. 2.

[Scandinavian]

or Dutch]

bun fight n. slang tea party. bung -n. stopper, esp. for a cask.

bungee

bunting

1

bunting 2

bun

German

burgher

106

"bAns(a)n/ n. small adjustable gas burner used in a laboratory. [Bunsen, name of a chemist]

burble /'b3:b(a)l' make a bubbling burbot /'b3:bat/ freshwater

fish.

v. 1 talk ramblingly. 2 sound, [imitative]

n.

same)

(pi.

eel-like

[French]

burden

"b3:d(a)n/ -n. 1 load, esp. a heavy one. 2 oppressive duty, expense, emotion, etc. 3 bearing of loads (beast of burden). 4 a refrain of a song, b chief theme of a speech, book, etc. -v. load

with a burden; oppress,

burdensome

adj. [Old English: related to birth]

burden of proof n.

obligation to prove

one's case.

burdock

plant with prickly flowers and docklike leaves, [from bur,

dock 3

"b3:dDk/

n.

]

bureau

'bjuarau

n. (pi.

-x or -s

/-z/) 1

a

desk with drawers and usu. an angled hinged top. b US chest of drawers. 2 a office or department for specific business,

government

b

depart-

ment. [French, originally = baize]

bureaucracy

bjua'rukrasi/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 a government by central administration, b State etc. so governed. 2 government officials, esp. regarded as oppressive and inflexible. 3 conduct typical of these. bureaucrat 'bjuara.kraet n. 1 official in a bureaucracy. 2 inflexible adminisbureaucratic kraetik/ adj. trator. bureaucratically -'kraetikali' adv. ,

-

'bjua'ret n. (US buret) graduated glass tube with an end-tap for

burette

measuring liquid

in chemical analysis.

[French]

burgeon

'b3:d3(a)n v. literary grow rapidly; flourish. [Latin burra wool]

burger

'b3:ga(T)

n. colloq.

hamburger,

[abbreviation]

burgher

/'b3:ga(r)/

n.

citizen

of

Continental town. [German or Dutch]

a

burglar burglar

Usage Before 1968 in English law, burglary was a crime under statute and common law; since 1968 it has been a statutory crime only;

cf.

housebreak-

ing.

burgle

/'b3:g(a)l/

v.

(-ling)

commit

burglary (on).

burgomaster mayor

bury

107

person who commits burglary. [Anglo-French] burglary n. (pi. -ies) 1 illegal entry with intenl to c ommit theft, do bodily harm, or do damage. 2 instance of this. /D3:flla(r)/ n.

burner

part of a gas cooker, lamp, etc. that emits the flame, burning adj. 1 ardent, intense. 2 hotly discussed, vital, urgent, burning-glass n. lens for concentrating the sun's rays to produce a flame, burnish /'D3:niJ7 v. polish by rubbing. n.

[French brunir from brun brown] /b3:'nu:s/ n. Arab or Moorish hooded cloak. [Arabic from Greek] burn-out n. exhaustion. burnt-out

burnous adj.

burnt see burn burnt ochre n.

1

/'baiga.maistaOr)/

n.

of a Dutch or Flemish town.

[Dutch]

burgundy /'b3:gandi/ n.

(pi. -ies) 1

(also

wine from elsewhere. 2 dark red colour

burr

/'benal/ n. 1 a burying of a corpse, b funeral. 2 Archaeol. grave or its

remains.

burin

/'bjuarm/ n. 1 tool for engraving copper or wood. 2 Archaeol. chiselpointed flint tool. [French] burk var. of berk. burlesque /b3:'lesk/ -n. 1 a comic imitation, parody, b this as a genre. 2 US variety show, esp. with striptease, -adj. of or using burlesque, -u. (-ques, -qued, -quing) parody. [Italian burla mockery] burly /'b3:h/ adj. (-ier, -iest) large and sturdy. [Old English] burn —v. (past and past part, burnt or burned) 1 (cause to) be consumed or destroyed by fire. 2 blaze or glow with fire. 3 (cause to) be injured or damaged by fire, heat, radiation, acid, etc. 4 use or be used as fuel etc. 5 char in cooking. 6 produce (a hole, mark, etc.) by fire or heat. 7 a heat (clay, chalk, etc.). b harden (bricks) by fire. 8 colour, tan, or parch with heat or light. 9 (be) put to death by fire. 10 cauterize, brand. 11 make, be, or feel hot, esp. painfully. 12 (often foil, by with) (cause to) feel great emotion or passion (burn with shame). 13 slang drive fast. -n. mark or injury caused by burning. burn one's boats (or bridges) commit oneself irrevocably, burn the candle at both ends work etc. excessively, burn down destroy or be destroyed by burning, burn one's fingers suffer for meddling or rashness, burn the midnight oil read or work late, burn out 1 be reduced to nothing by burning. 2 (cause to) fail by burning. 3 (usu. refl.) suffer exhaustion, burn up 1 get rid of by fire. 2 begin to blaze. [Old English] burn 2 n. Scot, brook. [Old English] 1

burnt sienna or

altar as a sacrifice.

burp colloq. -v.

of this.

(also

umber) pigment darkened by burning, burnt offering n. offering burnt on an

Burgundy) a red or white wine from Burgundy in E. France, b hist, similar burial

.

1 belch. 2 make (a baby) belch, -n. belch, [imitative]

-n. 1 a whirring sound, b rough sounding of the letter r. 2 (also bur) a rough edge on metal or paper, b sur-

geon's or dentist's small drill. 3 var. of bur 1, 2. —v. make a burr, [imitative] burrow /'bArau/ -n. hole or tunnel dug by a rabbit etc. as a dwelling or shelter. -v. 1 make a burrow. 2 make (a hole, one's way, etc.) (as) by digging. 3 (foil, by into) investigate, search, [apparently var. of borough] bursar /'b3:sa(r)/ n. 1 treasurer, esp. of a college. 2 holder of a bursary, [medieval

Latin bursarius from bursa purse]

bursary

n. (pi. -ies) grant, esp. a scholarship, [medieval Latin: related to

bursar]

burst

-v. (past and past part, burst) 1 (cause to) break violently apart; open forcibly from within. 2 a (usu. foil, by in, out) make one's way suddenly or by force, b break away from or through (river burst its banks). 3 be full to overflowing. 4 appear or come suddenly (burst into flame). 5 (foil, by into) suddenly begin to shed (tears) or utter. 6 seem about to burst from effort, excitement, etc. -n. 1 act of bursting. 2 sudden issue or outbreak (burst offlame; burst of applause). 3 sudden effort, spurt. burst out 1 suddenly begin (burst out laughing). 2 exclaim. [Old English] burton /'b3:t(a)n/ n. a go for a burton slang be lost, destroyed, or killed, [origin uncertain] bury /'ben/ v. (-ies, -ied) 1 place (a corpse) in the earth, a tomb, or the sea. 2 lose by death (buried two sons). 3 a put or hide under ground, b cover up; conceal. 4 consign to obscurity; forget. 5 (refl. or passive) involve deeply (buried bury the hatchet cease to in a book). quarrel. [Old English]

bus buses or US busses)

(pi.

1

large

esp. public passenger vehicle, usu. travelling a fixed route. 2 colloq. car, aeroetc. -v. (buses or busses, bussed, bussing) 1 go by bus. 2 US transport by bus, esp. to aid racial integration, [abbreviation of omnibus]

plane,

busby

/'bAzbi/ n. (pi -ies) tall fur hat

worn by hussars

bush

but

108

bus -n.

1

/buJ7

n.

etc. [origin

unknown]

shrub or clump of

1

shrubs. 2 thing like a bush, esp. a clump of hair. 3 (esp. in Australia and Africa) uncultivated area; woodland or forest. [Old English and Old Norse] bush 2 /buJV -rz. 1 metal lining for a hole enclosing a revolving shaft etc. 2 sleeve giving electrical insulation, -v. fit with a bush. [Dutch busse box]

bush-baby

n.

{pi.

-ies)

small African

lemur.

bushel

adj. colloq. tired out. /'bo.T(a)l/ n.

measure of capacity

for corn, fruit, etc. (8 gallons or 36.4

[French]

bushfire

forest or scrub fire often

n.

spreading widely.

bushman

traveller or dweller in the Australian bush. 2 (Bushman) member or language of a S.African aboriginal people. bush telegraph n. rapid spreading of n.

1

information, rumour,

etc.

bushy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 growing thickly like a bush. 2 having many bushes. business

/'biznis/ n. 1 one's regular occupation or profession. 2 one's own concern. 3 task or duty. 4 serious work or activity. 5 (difficult or unpleasant) matter or affair. 6 thing(s) needing at-

tention or discussion. 7 buying and selling;

mind

bus. 2 sign

bust

1

n. 1

1

regular stopping-place of a

marking

this.

human chest, esp. of a woman;

bosom. 2 sculpture of a person's head, shoulders, and chest. -iest).

busty adj.

(-ier,

[French from Italian] (past and past part, busted or

bust 2 -v.

bust) colloq. 1 break, burst. 2 a raid, search, b arrest, —adj. (also busted) 1 broken, burst. 2 bankrupt. bust up 1 collapse. 2 (esp. of a married couple) separate, [var. of burst] bustard /'bAstad/ n. large land bird that can run very fast. [Latin avis tarda slow bird ('slow' unexplained)] buster n. esp. US slang mate; fellow, [from bust 2 ]

bustier

/'bAsti.ei/

fitting bodice.

strapless

n.

close-

[French]

bustle /'bAs(a)l/ -v. (-ling) 1 (often foil, by about) (cause to) move busily and 1

bushed litres).

bus-stop n.

trade.

one's

commercial firm.

8

own business not meddle.

[Old English: related to busy] efficient, systematic.

businesslike adj.

businessman woman) man

n.

(fern,

businessengaged in

or woman trade or commerce. business park n. area designed for commerce and light industry. business person n. businessman or

businesswoman. perform esp. music in the

busk v.

etc. for tips.

busker n.

street [obsolete busk

peddle]

bus lane n.

part of a road mainly for use

by buses.

busman n.

bus driver.

busman's holiday n.

holiday spent in an activity similar to one's regular work. bus shelter n. shelter beside a bus-stop, bus station n. centre where buses depart and arrive.

energetically. 2 (as bustling adj.) aclively, -n. excited or energetic activity, [perhaps from obsolete busk

tive,

prepare]

bustle 2 /'bAs(a)l/ n. hist, padding worn under a skirt to puff it out behind, [origin unknown] bust-up n. 1 quarrel. 2 collapse.

busy

/'bizi/ -adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 occupied or engaged in work etc. 2 full of activity; fussy (busy evening, street, busy design). 3 esp. US (of a telephone line) engaged, -v. (-ies, -ied) (often reft.) keep busily adv. [Old Engbusy; occupy.

lish]

busybody

n. (pi. -ies)

meddlesome

per-

son.

busy Lizzie n. plant with abundant esp. red, pink, or white flowers. /bAt, bat/ -conj. 1 a nevertheless, however (tried but failed), b on the

but

other hand; on the contrary (/ am old but you are young). 2 except, otherwise than (cannot choose but do it; what could we do but run?). 3 without the result that (it never rains but it pours), -prep, except; apart from; other than (all cried but me; nothing but trouble), -adv. 1 only; no more than; only just (we can but try; is but a child; had but arrived). 2 in emphatic repetition; definitely (would see nobody, but nobody), -rel. pron. who not; that not (not a man but feels pity), -n. objection (ifs and

but for without the help or hindrance etc. of (but for you I'd be rich), but one (or two etc.) excluding one (or two etc.) from the number (next door but one; last but one), but then however (/ won, but then I am older). buts).

[Old English]

butane bju:tem/

hydrocarbon, used

gaseous alkane

n.

form as

in liquefied

[from butyl]

fuel,

butch

botJ7 adj. slang masculine; tough looking, [origin uncertain]

butcher

'butja(r)/ -n. 1 a person who deals in meat, b slaughterer. 2 brutal murderer, -v. 1 slaughter or cut up (an animal) for food. 2 kill wantonly or cruelly. 3 colloq. ruin through

incompetence. [French boc buck ] (pi. -ies) 1 needless or cruel slaughter (of people). 2 butcher's trade. butler n. principal manservant of a household. [French bouteille bottle] butt -v. 1 push or strike with the head or horns. 2 (cause to) meet edge to edge. -n. 1 push with the head. 2 join of two edges. butt in interrupt, meddle. [French from Germanic] 1

butchery n.

1

butt 2

(often foil, by of) object of ridicule etc. 2 a mound behind a target,

b (in

n.

1

pi.)

shooting-range. [French but

goal]

butr

thicker end, esp. of a tool or etc. 3 esp. buttocks. [Dutch] 4 butt n. cask. [Latin buttis] butter -n. 1 solidified churned cream, used as a spread and in cooking. 2 substance of similar texture (peanut butter), —v. spread, cook, or serve with butter butter up colloq. flatter. n. 1

weapon. 2 stub of a cigarette

US slang

[Greek bouturon]

butter-bean

n. 1 flat,

dried, white lima

bean. 2 yellow-podded bean,

butter-cream

n. mixture of butter, icing sugar, etc., as a filling etc. for a cake.

buttercup

n.

wild plant with yellow

cup-shaped flowers.

butterfat

essential

n.

fats

of pure

butter.

butter-fingers to

buzz

109

butane

n. colloq.

person prone

drop things.

butterfly n.

insect with four usu. brightly coloured wings. 2 (in pi.) colloq. nervous sensation in the (pi. -flies) 1

/'bAtak/ n.

1

each of the two

fleshy protuberances at the rear of the human trunk. 2 corresponding part of [butt ridge] button /'bAt(a)n/ -n. 1 small disc etc. sewn to a garment as a fastener or worn as an ornament. 2 small round knob etc. pressed to operate electronic equipment, -v. = button up 1. z button up 1 fasten with buttons. 2 colloq. complete satisfactorily. 3 colloq. be silent.

an animal,

[French from Germanic]

buttonhole

-n. 1 slit, in cloth for a button. 2 flower etc. worn in a lapel buttonhole, -v. (-ling) colloq. accost and detain (a reluctant listener).

mushroom

button

n.

young

unopened mushroom. buttress /'bAtris/ -rc.

1 projecting support built against a wall. 2 source of help etc. -v. (often foil, by up) 1 support with a buttress. 2 support by argument etc. (buttressed by facts), [related to butt 1 ] butty /'bAti/ n. (pi -ies) N.Engl, sandwich, [from butter] butyl /'bju:tail/ n. the univalent alkyl radical C 4 H 9 [Latin butyrum butter] /'bAksam/ adj. (esp. of a woman) plump and rosy; busty, [earlier = pli2 ant: related to bow ] buy /bai/ -v. (buys, buying; past and past part, bought /bo:t/) 1 a obtain for money etc. b serve to obtain (money can't buy happiness; the best that money can buy). 2 a procure by bribery etc. b bribe. 3 get by sacrifice etc. 4 slang believe in, accept. 5 be a buyer for a store etc. —n. colloq. purchase. buy in buy a stock of. buy into pay for a share in (an enterprise), buy off pay to get rid of. buy oneself out obtain one's release (esp. from the armed services) by payment, buy out pay (a person) for ownership, an interest, etc. buy up 1 buy as much as possible of. 2 absorb (a firm etc.) by purchase. [Old English] .

buxom

buyer n.

1

person employed to purchase

stock for a large store etc. 2 purchaser,

customer.

stomach.

butterfly nut n. a kind of wing-nut. butterfly stroke n. stroke in swimming, with arms raised and lifted forwards together. butter-icing n. = butter-cream.

buttermilk

buttock

liquid left after churn-

n.

ing butter.

butter muslin cloth, orig. for

n.

thin loosely-woven

wrapping

butter.

butterscotch n. brittle toffee made from butter, brown sugar, etc. buttery /'bAtan/ n. (pi. -ies) food store, 1

esp. in a college; snack-bar etc. [related 4 to BUTT ] buttery 2 adj. like or containing butter.

buyer's market n. (also buyers' market) trading conditions favourable to buyers.

buyout

n. purchase of a controlling share in a company etc. 1 hum of a bee etc. 2 sound of a buzzer. 3 a low murmur as of conversation, b stir; hurried activity (buzz of excitement). 4 slang telephone call. 5 slang thrill, -v. 1 hum. 2 a summon with a buzzer, b slang telephone. 3 a (often foil, by about) move busily, b (of a place) appear busy or full of excitement. buzz off slang go or hurry away,

buzz -n.

[imitative]

buzzard

signal.

buzz-word

n. colloq. fashionable technical or specialist word; catchword. by /bai/ -prep. 1 near, beside (sit by me; path by the river). 2 through the agency or means of (by proxy poem by Donne; by bus; by cheating; divide by two; killed by robbers). 3 not later than (by next week). 4 a past, beyond (drove by the church), b through; via (went by Paris). 5 during (by day; by daylight). 6 to the extent of (missed by a foot; better by far). 7 according to; using as a standard or unit (judge by appearances; paid by the hour). 8 with the succession of (worse by the minute; day by day). 9 concerning; in respect of (did our duty by them; Smith by name). 10 used in mild oaths (by God). 11 expressing dimensions of an area etc. (threefeet by two). 12 avoiding, ignoring (passed us by). 13 inclining to (north by northwest), -adv. 1 near (sat by). 2 aside; in reserve (put £5 by). 3 past (marched by), ;

-n. (pi. byes) = bye by and by before long; eventually, by and large on the whole, by the by (or bye) incidentally, by oneself 1 a unaided, b unprompted. 2 alone. [Old English] by- prefix subordinate, incidental (byeffect; byroad). bye 1 /bai/ n. 1 Cricket run scored from a ball that passes the batsman without being hit. 2 status of an unpaired competitor in a sport, who proceeds to the next round by default, [from by as a 1

.

noun]

bye 2

/bai/ int. (also bye-bye) goodbye, [abbreviation]

colloq.

=

by-election n. election to fill a vacancy arising between general elections.

Byelorussian

Byzantine

no

buzzard /'bAzad/ n. large bird of the hawk family. [Latin buteo falcon] buzzer n. electrical buzzing device as a

/,byela'rAjXa)n/

(also

Belorussian /.bela-/) -n. native or language of Byelorussia in eastern Europe.

-adj. of Byelorussia, its people, or language. [Russian from belyi white, Russiya Russia] bygone -adj. past, antiquated, -n. (in phr. let bygones be bygones) forgive and forget past quarrels, by-law n. regulation made by a local authority or corporation, [obsolete by

town]

byline n. 1 newspaper

line naming the writer of a article etc. 2 secondary line of work. 3 goal-line or touch-line.

bypass -n. town or

main road passing round a

1

centre. 2 a secondary channel or pipe etc. used in emergencies, b alternative passage for the circulation of blood through the heart, -v. avoid, go

round

its

(a

byplay

town, difficulty, etc.). secondary action, esp. in a

n.

play.

by-product n. 1 incidental product made in the manufacture of something else. 2

secondary

result,

byre /'baia(r)/ n. cowshed. byroad minor road,

[Old English]

rc.

byssinosis caused by

/.bisi'nausis/ n.

lung disease [Greek bus-

textile fibre dust.

sinos made of linen] bystander n. person

present but not

taking part; onlooker,

byte

Computing group of eight binary digits, often representing one /bait/ n.

character, [origin uncertain] n. 1 byroad or secluded path. 2

byway minor

activity.

byword n. example

1

(is

person or thing as a notable a byword for luxury). 2

familiar saying. /bi'zaentam, bai-/ -adj. 1 of Byzantium or the E. Roman Empire. 2 of its highly decorated style of architecture. 3 (of a political situation etc.) complex, inflexible, or underhand, -n. citizen of Byzantium or the E. Roman

Byzantine

Empire. tinist bul]

n.

Byzantinism [Latin Byzantium,

n.

Byzan-

now

Istan-

c C

1

/si:/ n. (pi.

Cs or C's)

letter of the alphabet. 2

1

(also c) third

Mus.

first

note of

the diatonic scale of C major. 3 third hypothetical person or example. 4 third highest category etc. 5 Algebra (usu. c) third known quantity. 6 (as a roman numeral) 100. 7 (also ©) copyright. C 2 symb. carbon. C 3 abbr. (also C.) 1 Celsius, centigrade. 2 coulomb(s), capacitance, c. abbr. 1 century. 2 cent(s). c. abbr. circa. Ca symb. calcium. ca. abbr. circa. abbr. Civil Aviation Authority, cab n. 1 taxi. 2 driver's compartment in a lorry, train, or crane etc. [abbreviation of cabriolet] cabal /ka'bael/ n. 1 secret intrigue. 2 political clique. [French from Latin]

CAA

cable-car n. small cabin suspended on a looped cable, for carrying passengers up and down a mountain etc. n. telegraph message sent

cablegram

by undersea cable.

cable television

n.

television trans-

mission by cable to subscribers.

cabman

n.

caboodle

driver of a cab.

the whole

/ka'bu:d(a)l/ n.

caboodle slang the whole

lot.

[origin

uncertain]

caboose

/ka'bu:s/ n. 1 kitchen on a ship's deck. 2 US guard's van on a train

etc.

[Dutch]

cabriole

/'kaebri.aul/ n. a

kind of esp.

18th-c.

curved

table

round head and green or purple leaves. 2 = vegetable 2. [French caboche head] cabbage white n. butterfly whose caterpillars feed on cabbage leaves,

or chair leg. [French: related to capriole] cabriolet /.kasbriau'lei/ n. 1 car with a folding top. 2 light two-wheeled onehorse carriage with a hood. [French: related to capriole] cacao /ka'kau/ n. (pi. -s) 1 seed from which cocoa and chocolate are made. 2 tree bearing these. [Spanish from Nahuatl] cache /kaeJV -n. 1 hiding-place for treasure, stores, guns, etc. 2 things so hidden, -v. (-ching) put in a cache. [French cacher hide]

cabby

cachet

/'kaejei/

n.

cabaret

/'kaeba.rei/ n. entertainment in a nightclub or restaurant. [French, =

tavern]

cabbage

/'kaebid3/ n.

n. (also

vegetable with a

1

cabbie)

(pi. -ies) colloq.

taxi-driver.

caber

/'keiba(r)/ n. trimmed tree-trunk tossed as a sport in the Scottish Highlands. [Gaelic] cabin /'kaebm/ n. 1 small shelter or house, esp. of wood. 2 room or compartment in an aircraft or ship for passengers or crew. 3 driver's cab. [French from Latin] cabin-boy n. boy steward on a ship, cabin cruiser n. large motor boat with

accommodation. a cupboard or case for storing or displaying things, b casing of a radio, television, etc. 2 (Cabinet) committee of senior ministers in a government, [diminutive of cabin]

cabinet

/'kaebmit/ n.

cabinet-maker

1

n. skilled joiner.

/'keib(a)l/ -n. 1 encased group of insulated wires for transmitting electri city etc. 2 thick rope of wire or hemp. 3 cablegram. 4 (in full cable stitch) knitting stitch resembling twisted rope. -v. (-ling) transmit (a message) or inform (a person) by cablegram. [Latin caplum halter, from Arabic]

cable

1

prestige.

2

dis-

tinguishing mark or seal. 3 flat capsule of medicine. [French cacher press] cachou /'kaeju:/ n. lozenge to sweeten the breath. [Portuguese cachu from

Malay kachu]

cack-handed

/kaek'haendid/ adj.

col-

clumsy. 2 left-handed, [dial, cack excrement] cackle /'kaek(a)l/ -n. 1 clucking of a hen etc. 2 raucous laugh. 3 noisy chatter. -v. (-ling) 1 emit a cackle. 2 chatter noisily, loq. 1

[imitative]

cacophony

/ka'kDfani/

n.

(pi.

-ies)

cacophonharsh discordant sound. ous adj. [Greek kakos bad, phone sound]

cactus

'kaektas/ n. (pi. -ti /-tai/ or cactuses) plant with a thick fleshy stem and usu. spines but no leaves. [Latin

from Greek] computer aided design. n. man who behaves dishonourably, caddish adj. [abbreviation of caddie] cadaver /ka'daeva(r)/ n. esp. Med. corpse. [Latin cado fall]

CAD abbr.

cad

cadaverous like;

/ka'daevaras/ adj. corpse-

very pale and thin.

caddie

calabrese

112

caddie /'kaedi/ (also caddy) -rc.

(pi. -ies)

who carries a golfer's clubs during play. -v. (-ies, -ied, caddying) act as a caddie. [French cadet] caddis-fly /'kaedis/ n. small nocturnal insect living near water, [origin

cafeteria

/.kaefi'tiaria/

self-service

n.

person

restaurant. [American Spanish, = coffee-shop] caffeine /'kaefi:n/ n. alkaloid stimulant in tea-leaves and coffee beans. [French

unknown]

caftan /'kaeftaen/ n. (also kaftan) 1 long tunic worn by men in the Near East. 2

caddis-worm larva

of

/'kaedis/ n. (also

caddis

the

caddis)

fly.

[origin

caddy

/'ksedi/ n.

(pi.

-ies)

small con-

tainer for tea. [Malay] caddy 2 var. of caddie.

cadence

/'keid(a)ns/ n.

1

rhythm; the

measure or beat of a sound or movement. 2

in pitch of the voice. 3 tonal inflection. 4 close of a musical phrase. [Latin cado fall] cadenza /ka'denza/ n. virtuoso passage for a soloist. [Italian: related to fall

cadence]

cadet /ka'det/ n. young trainee for the armed services or police force. cadetship

[French, ultimately from Latin caput head] cadge v. (-ging) colloq. get or seek by begging, [origin unknown] cadi /'ka:di/ n. (pi -s) judge in a Muslim country. [Arabic] cadmium /'kaedmiam/ n. soft bluishwhite metallic element. [Greek kadmia n.

Cadmean (earth)] cadre /'ka:da(r)/ n.

1

basic unit, esp. of

servicemen. 2 group of esp. Communist activists. [French from Latin quadrus square]

caecum /'si:kam/ n. (US cecum) (pi -ca) blind-ended pouch at the junction of the small and large intestines. [Latin caecus blind]

Caenozoic var. of Cenozoic Caerphilly /kea'fili/ n. a kind

of mild white cheese. [Caerphilly in Wales]

Caesar

/'si:za(r)/

n.

1

title

emperors. 2 autocrat. [Latin

of

Roman

(C. Julius)

Caesar]

Caesarean

/si'zearian/ (US Cesarean, Cesarian) -adj. (of birth) effected by Caesarean section, -n. Caesarean section, [from Caesar: Julius Caesar was supposedly born this way]

Caesarean section

n.

delivery of a

by cutting through the mother's abdomen. caesium /'si:ziam/ n. (US cesium) soft child

silver-white blue-grey]

caesura

element.

[Latin

/'kaefei/

caesius

cage. [Latin caved]

cagey

(also cagy) (-ier, cautious and noncagily adv. caginess n.

/'keid3i/ adj.

colloq.

-iest)

committal.

[origin unknown] cagoule /ka'gu:l/

n.

thin hooded wind-

proof jacket. [French]

cahoots

/ka'hu:ts/ n.pl. in cahoots slang in collusion, [origin uncertain] var. of cayman. Cain n. raise Cain colloq. = raise the (Gen. 4)] roof. [Cain, eldest son of Cainozoic var. of Cenozoic

caiman

Adam

cairn n. 1 mound of stones as a monument or landmark. 2 (in full cairn terrier) small shaggy short-legged terrier. [Gaelic]

cairngorm

/'keango.m/ n. semiprecious form of quartz. [Cairngorms, in Scotland] caisson watertight /'keis(a)n/ n. chamber for underwater construction work. [Italian cassone]

cajole

/ka'd3aul/ deceit,

flattery,

v.

(-ling)

etc.

persuade by cajolery n.

[French] 1 mixture of flour, butter, eggs, sugar, etc., baked in the oven and often iced and decorated. 2 other food in a flat round shape (fish cake). 3 flatfish compact mass (cake of soap), -v. (-king) 1 form into a compact mass. 2 (usu. foil, by with) cover (with a hard or sticky have one's cake and eat it mass). colloq. enjoy both of two mutually exclusive alternatives, a piece of cake colloq. something easily achieved, sell (or go) like hot cakes colloq. be sold (or go) quickly; be popular. [Old Norse] Cakewalk n. 1 obsolete American Black dance. 2 colloq. easy task. 3 fairground entertainment consisting of a

cake-rc.

promenade moved by machinery. Cal abbr. large calorie(s). cal abbr. small

calorie(s).

calabash

/si'zjuara/ n. (pi. -s)

caesural

line of verse. caedo cut]

cafe

long loose dress or shirt. [Turkish] -n. 1 structure of bars or wires, esp. for confining animals or birds. 2 similar open framework, esp. a lift in mine etc. -k (-ging) place or keep in a

cage

unknown] 1

cafe coffee]

n.

pause in a adj.

[Latin

small coffee-house or

restaurant. [French]

gourdn. 1 /'kaela.baeJV bearing tree of tropical America. 2 such a gourd, esp. as a vessel for water, etc. [French from Spanish]

calabrese

/,kaela'bri:s/

broccoli. [Italian,

n.

variety of

= Calabrian]

calamine calamine

n.

powdered

form of zinc carbonate and

ferric oxide used as a skin lotion. [French from

Latin]

calamity

/ka'laemiti/ n. (pi. -ies) disas-

calamitous

ter,

great misfortune.

adj.

[French from Latin]

calcareous

/kael'keanas/ adj. of or containing calcium carbonate, [related to

calx]

calceolaria

/.kaelsia'learia/ n. plant with slipper-shaped flowers. [Latin calceus shoe] calces pi. of calx.

calciferol /kael'srfa.rDl/ n. vitamin (D 2 ) promoting calcium deposition in the bones, [related to calx]

calciferous

/kael'sifaras/ adj. yielding salts, esp. calcium carbonate.

calcium calcify /'kaelsi.fai/ v. (-ies, -ied) 1 harden by the depositing of calcium salts. 2 convert or be converted to cal-

cium carbonate.

calcification

/-ft

'keij(8)n/ n.

calcine /'kaelsam/ v. (-ning) decompose or be decomposed by strong heat. calcination /-'neij(9)n/ n. [French or medieval Latin: related to calx] calcite /'kaelsait/ n. natural crystalline calcium carbonate. [Latin: related to calx]

calcium

/'kaelsiam/ n. soft grey metalelement occurring in limestone, marble, chalk, etc. [related to calx] calcium carbide n. greyish solid used in the production of acetylene. calcium carbonate n. white insoluble solid occurring as chalk, marble, etc. calcium hydroxide n. white crystalline powder used in the manufacture of lic

mortar.

calcium oxide

n.

white crystalline

from which many calcium compounds are manufactured. calculate /'kaelkju.leit/ v. (-ting) 1 ascertain or forecast esp. by mathematsolid

ics

or reckoning. 2 plan deliberately. 3

by on) rely on; reckon on. calculable adj. [Latin: related to cal-

(foil,

culus]

calculated

calk

113

/'kaela.main/

adj.

1

(of

an action) done

deliberately or with foreknowledge. 2 (foil, by to + infin.) designed or suitable; intended.

calculating adj. scheming, mercenary. calculation /.kaelkju'leij^n/ n. act, process, or result of calculating. [Latin: related to calculus] calculator n. device (esp. a small electronic one) for making mathematical calculations. calculus /'kaelkjulas/ n. (pi -luses or -li /-,lai/) 1 particular method of mathematical calculation or reasoning. 2 stone

or mineral mass in the body. [Latin, = small stone (used on an abacus)]

caldron var. Caledonian

of cauldron. /.kaeli'daunian/

literary

-adj. of Scotland, -n. Scotsman. [Latin Caledonia N. Britain] calendar /'kaelmd8(r)/ -n. 1 system fixing the year's beginning, length, and subdivision. 2 chart etc. showing such subdivisions. 3 timetable of dates, events, etc. —v. enter in a calendar; register (documents). [Latin: related to

CALENDS]

calendar year n.

period from

Jan. to

l

31 Dec. inclusive.

calender

/'kaelind9(r)/ -n.

machine

in

which cloth, paper, etc. is rolled to glaze or smooth it. -v. press in a calender. [French]

calends

/'kaelendz/ n.pl. (also

kalends)

of the month in the ancient Roman calendar. [Latin Kalendae] calendula /ka'lendjula/ n. plant with large yellow or orange flowers, esp. the marigold. [Latin diminutive of Kalendae] first

calf /ka:f/ n. cow or bull.

(pi.

calves /ka:vz/)

1

young

2 young of other animals, e.g. the elephant, deer, and whale. 3 calfskin. [Old English] calf2 /ka:f/ n. (pi. calves) fleshy hind part of the human leg below the knee.

[Old Norse]

calf-love

n.

romantic adolescent love.

calfskin n. calf-leather. calibrate /'kaeli.breit/ v.

(-ting)

1

mark

gauge) with a scale of readings. 2 correlate the readings of (an instrument or system of measurement) with a standard. 3 determine the calibre of (a calibration /-'breij(8)n/ n. gun). calibre /'kaehb9(r)/ n. (US caliber) 1 a internal diameter of a gun or tube, b diameter of a bullet or shell. 2 strength or quality of character; ability, importance. [French from Italian from Arabic, (a

= mould] calices pi. of calix. calico /'kaeli.kau/ -n.

(pi.

-es or

US -s)

1

plain white or unbleached. 2 US printed cotton fabric. multicoloured. 2 US -adj. 1 of calico. [Calicut in India]

cotton

cloth,

californium

esp.

/,kaeli'fo:ni9m/

cial radioactive metallic

n.

artifi-

element. [Cali-

fornia in US, where first made] caliper var. of calliper. caliph /'keilif/ n. esp. hist, chief Muslim caliphate n. civil and religious ruler. [Arabic, = successor (of Muhammad)] calisthenics var. of callisthenics. calix var. of calyx. calk US var. of caulk.

call /ko:l/

demand

-v.

1

on one's time). 8 signal 9 option of buying stock

(a call

on a bugle

etc.

at a fixed price at a given date. 10 Cards a player's right or turn to make a bid. b

call in 1 withdraw from circulation. 2 seek the advice or services of. call off 1 cancel (an arrangement). 2 order (an attacker or pursuer) to desist, call out 1 summon to action. 2 order (workers) to strike, call the shots (or tune) colloq. be in control; take the initiative, call up 1 telephone. 2 recall. 3 summon to military service, on call

bid made.

ready or available if required. [Old English from Old Norse] call-box n. telephone box. caller n. person who calls, esp. one who pays a visit or makes a telephone call. call-girl

prostitute

n.

accepting ap-

pointments by telephone.

calligraphy writing, esp.

/ka'ligrafi/

when

n.

1

fine. 2 art

handof this.

calligrapher n. calligraphic /-'graefik/ adj. calligraphist n. [Greek kallos beauty]

calling

n. 1

profession or occupation. 2

vocation.

calliper /'ka?lipa(r)/ n. (also caliper) 1 (in pi.) compasses for measuring diameters. 2 metal splint to support the leg. /.kaelis'Gemks/ n.pl. (also calisthenics) exercises for fitness and callisthenic adj. [Greek kalgrace. los beauty,

sthenos strength]

callosity /ka'lositi/ n. (pi. -ies) area of hard thick skin. [Latin: related to callous]

callous /'kaelas/ adj.

1 unfeeling, insens2 (also calloused) (of skin) harcallously adv. callousness dened. n. [Latin: related to callus]

itive.

/'kaelau/ adj.

inexperienced, im-

mature. [Old English, = bald] call-up n. summons to do military service.

callus /'kaelas/ n. (pi. calluses) 1 area of hard thick skin or tissue. 2 hard tissue formed round bone ends after a fracture. [Latin]

calm

/ka:m/ -adj. 1 tranquil, quiet, windless. 2 serene; not agitated, -n. calm condition or period. (often foil, by down) make or become calm. calmly adv. calmness n. [Greek kauma heat] calomel /'kaete.mel/ n. compound of mercury used as a cathartic. [Greek kalos beautiful, melas black] Calor gas /'kaela/ n. propr. liquefied butane gas stored under pressure in containers for domestic use. [Latin calor heat] caloric /'kaeterik/ adj. of heat or calories.

calorie

/'kaelari/ n. (pi. -ies) unit of quantity of heat, the amount needed to the temperature of one gram (small calorie) or one kilogram (large calorie) of water by 1 °C. [Latin calor

raise

heat] m

calorific

/.kaela'nfik/

adj.

producing

heat.

calorimeter /,kael9'rimit8(r)/ n. instrument for measuring quantity of heat.

calumniate

/ka'lAmni.eit/

v.

(-ting)

slander. [Latin]

calumny

-ies) /'kaelamm/ n. (pi. slander; malicious representation. calumnious /ka'lAmnias/ adj. [Latin] calvados /'kaelva.dos/ n. apple brandy. [Calvados in France] calve /ka:v/ v. (-ving) give birth to a calf. 1 [Old English: related to calf ] calves pi of calf 1 calf 2 Calvinism /'kaelvi niz(a)m/ n. theology of Calvin or his followers, stressing Calpredestination and divine grace. vinist n. & adj. Calvinistic /- nistik/ adj. [Calvin, name of a theologian] calx n. (pi. calces /'kaelsi:z/) powdery substance formed when an ore or mineral has been heated. [Latin calx .

,

1

calc- lime]

[var. of CALIBRE]

callisthenics

callow

camaraderie

114

a (often foil, by out) cry, shout; speak loudly, b (of a bird etc.) emit its characteristic sound. 2 communicate with by telephone or radio. 3 summon. 4 (often foil, by at, in, on) pay a brief visit. 5 order to take place (called a meeting). 6 name; describe as. 7 regard as (I call that silly). 8 rouse from sleep. 9 (foil, by for) demand. 10 (foil, by on, upon) appeal to (called on us to be quiet). 11 name (a suit) in bidding at cards. 12 guess the outcome of tossing a coin etc. -n. 1 shout, cry. 2 a characteristic cry of a bird etc. b instrument for imitating it. 3 brief visit. 4 a act of telephoning, b telephone conversation. 5 a invitation, summons, b vocation. 6 need, occasion (no call for rudeness). 7

call

/ka'lipsau/ n. (pi. -s) W. Indian with improvised usu. topical words and a syncopated rhythm, [origin

calypso song

unknown] calyx /'keiliks/ n.

calyces /-li,si:z/ or sepals forming the protective case of a flower in bud. 2 cuplike cavity or structure. [Greek, = -es) (also calix)

(pi. 1

husk]

cam

n.

shaped

projection

on a wheel

etc.,

to convert circular into recip-

rocal or variable motion. [Dutch

kam

comb]

camaraderie

/,kaemara:dari/ friendly comradeship. [French]

n.

camber -n. convex surface of a road, deck, etc. -v. build with a camber. [Latin camurus curved] Cambrian /'kaembrian/ -adj. 1 Welsh. 2 Geol. of the first period in the Palaeozoic era. -n. this period. [Welsh: related

Cymric] /'keimbnk/ n. fine linen or cotton fabric. [Cambrai in France] Cambridge blue /'keimbnd3/ adj. & n. (as adj. often hyphenated) pale blue. [Cambridge in England] camcorder /"kaem,ko:da(r)/ n. combined video camera and sound recorder. [from CAMERA, RECORDER] came past of come. to

cambric

camel

/'kaem(9)l/

n.

long-legged

1

ruminant with one hump (Arabian camel) or two humps (Bactrian camel). 2 fawn colour. [Greek] camel-hair n. fine soft hair used in artists'

brushes or for

fabric.

camellia

/ka'miilia/ n. evergreen shrub with shiny leaves and showy flowers. [Camellus, name of a botanist] Camembert /'kaemam.beaO")/ n. a kind

of soft creamy pungent cheese. [Camembert in France] cameo /'kaemiau/ n. (pi. -s) 1 small piece of hard stone carved in relief with a background of a different colour. 2 a short descriptive literary sketch or acted scene, b small character part in a play or film, usu. brief and played by a

distinguished actor. [French and medieval Latin]

camera

/'kaemra/ n. 1 apparatus for taking photographs or moving film. 2 equipment for converting images into in camera Law in electrical signals. private. [Latin: related to

cameraman

can

115

camber

n.

person

camera professionally, making or television.

camiknickers

chamber]

who

operates a

esp.

in

/'kaemi.nikaz/

filmn.pl.

camp

1

-n. 1 place where troops are lodged or trained. 2 temporary accommodation of huts, tents, etc., for detainees, holiday-makers, etc. 3 ancient fortified site. 4 party supporters etc. regarded collectively, —v. set up or spend time in a camp. [Latin campus level ground]

camp^

colloq. -adj. 1 affected, effeminate, theatrically exaggerated. 2 homo-

camp manner

sexual, -n.

or style, -v.

behave or do in a camp way. camp it up overact; behave affectedly, q campy adj. (-ier, -iest). [origin uncertain]

campaign

/kaem'pem/ -n. 1 organized course of action, esp. to gain publicity. 2 military operations towards a particular objective, -v. take part in a cam-

campaigner n.

paign. tO

CAMP

[Latin: related

1

]

campanile

/.kaempa'ni^/

n. bell-tower (usu. free-standing), esp. in Italy. [Italian campana 'bell', from Latin] campanology /,kaempa'nDlad3i/ n. 1 the study of bells. 2 bell-ringing, campanologist n. [Latin campana

bell]

campanula

/kaem'paenjula/

n.

plant

with bell-shaped usu. blue, purple, or white flowers, [diminutive: related to

campanology]

camp-bed camper n.

n.

portable folding bed.

person who camps. 2 large motor vehicle with beds etc. 1

camp-follower

n. 1 civilian

worker

in

a military camp. 2 disciple or adherent, /'kaemfa(r)/ n. pungent white crystalline substance used in making celluloid, medicine, and mothballs. [French ultimately from Sanskrit] camphorate v. (-ting) impregnate or treat with camphor. campion /'kaBmpian/ n. wild plant with usu. pink or white notched flowers. [origin uncertain] campsite n. place for camping,

camphor

women's knickers and vest combined.

campus /'kaempas/ n.

[from CAMISOLE, KNICKERS]

of a university or college. 2 esp. US a university. [Latin, = field] /'kaemra/ abbr. Campaign for Real Ale. camshaft n. shaft with one or more

camisole /'kaemi.saul/ n. women's lightweight vest. [Italian or Spanish: related to chemise] /'kaema.mail/ n. (also chamomile) aromatic plant with daisy-like flowers used esp. to make tea. [Greek, =

camomile

earth-apple]

camouflage

/'kaema.fla^/ -n. 1 a disguising of soldiers, tanks, etc. so that they blend into the background, b such a disguise. 2 the natural blending colouring of an animal. 3 misleading or evasive behaviour etc. - v. (-ging) hide by camouflage. [French camoufler disguise]

(pi. -es) 1

grounds

CAMRA cams.

can

1

/kaen, kon/ v.aux. (3rd sing, present can; past could /kud/) 1 a be able to; know how to. b be potentially capable of (these storms can last for hours). 2 be permitted to. [Old English, = know] can 2 -n. 1 metal vessel for liquid. 2 sealed tin container for the preservation of food or drink. 3 (in pi.) slang headphones. 4 (prec. by the) slang a prison, b US lavatory. — v. (-nn-) put or

Canada goose

canalize

canker

116

preserve in a can. z in the can colloq. completed, ready. [Old English] Canada goose /'kaenada/ n. wild N. American goose with a brownish-grey body and white neck and breast. canaille /ka'na.i/ n. rabble; populace. [French from Italian] canal /ka'nael/ n. 1 artificial inland waterway. 2 tubular duct in a plant or animal. [Latin canalis] /'kaena.laiz/

v.

(also -ise) (-zing

or -sing) 1 provide with or convert into a canal or canals. 2 channel, z canalization /-'zeij(8)n/ n. [French: related to

candidate

canape

n.

1

person

nominated

for or seeking office, an award, etc. 2 person or thing likely to gain some distinction or position. 3 person entered for an examination, z candidacy n. candidature n. [Latin,

= white-robed]

candle of wax

/'kaend(a)l/ n. cylinder or

block

or tallow with a central wick which gives light when burning, z cannot hold a candle to is much inferior to. not worth the candle not justifying cost or trouble. [Latin candela] n. light from candles, z

candlelight candlelit

canal]

./'kaendidat/

adj.

Candlemas

bread or pastry with a savoury topping.

/'kaendteH.maes/ n. feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary (2

[French]

Feb.). [Old English: related to

'ksena.pei/

small piece of

n.

canard

"kaena:d/ n. unfounded rumour or story. [French, = duck] canary /ka'nean/ n. (pi -ies) small songbird with yellow feathers. [Canary Islands]

canasta

card-game using two packs and resembling rummy. /ka'naesta/ n.

[Spanish, = basket]

cancan /'kaenkaen/

stage-dance

n. lively

with high kicking. [French]

cancel

/'kaens(a)l/

v.

(-11-;

US

-1-)

1

re-

voke or discontinue (an arrangement). 2 3 mark (a ticket, stamp, etc.) to invalidate it. 4 annul; make void. 5 (often foil, by out) neutralize or counterbalance. 6 Math, strike out (an equal factor) on each side of an

delete (writing

equation

etc.

etc.).

z cancellation

/-'leij(a)n/

related to chancel] cancer n. 1 a malignant tumour of body cells, b disease caused by this. 2 evil influence or corruption. 3 (Cancer) a constellation and fourth sign of the zodiac (the Crab), b person born when the sun is in this sign, z cancerous adj. cancroid adj. [Latin, = crab] candela /kaen'di:la/ n. SI unit of luminous intensity. [Latin, = candle] candelabrum /.kaendi'krbram/ n. (also -bra) (pi -bra, US -brums, -bras) large branched candlestick or lampholder. [Latin: related to candela] n. [Latin:

Usage The form

candelabra

strictly speaking, the plural.

is,

However,

candelabra (singular) and candelabras (plural) are often found in informal use.

candid

/'kaendid/ adj.

1

frank; open. 2

photograph) taken informally, usu. without subject's knowledge, z candidly adv. candidness n. [Latin candidus white] Candida /'kaendida/ n. fungus causing thrush. [Latin candidus: related to can(of a

did]

candlepower

n.

unit

of

mass 2 luminous ]

intensity.

candlestick

n.

holder for one or more

candles.

candlewick

n. 1

thick soft cotton yarn.

2 tufted material from this, candour /'kaenda(r)/ n. (US candor) frankness; openness. [Latin candor]

C.

& W.

abbr.

country-and-western

(music).

candy

/'kaendi/ -n. (pi. -ies) 1 (in full

sugar-candy) sugar crystallized by repeated boiling and slow evaporation. 2 US sweets; a sweet, -v. (-ies, -ied) (usu. as candied adj.) preserve (fruit etc.) in candy. [French from Arabic] candyfloss n. fluffy mass of spun sugar round a stick.

candystripe

n.

alternate

stripes

of

white and a colour, z candystriped adj.

candytuft

/' kaendi ,t Aft/ n. plant with white, pink, or purple flowers in tufts. [Candia Crete, tuft] cane-rc. 1 a hollow jointed stem of giant reeds or grasses, b solid stem of slender palms. 2 = sugar cane. 3 cane used for wickerwork etc. 4 cane used as a walking-stick, plant support, for punishment, etc. -v. (-ning) 1 beat with a cane. 2 weave cane into (a chair etc.). [Greek kanna reed] cane-sugar n. sugar from sugar-cane. canine "kemam/ -adj. of a dog or dogs. -n. 1 dog. 2 (in full canine tooth) pointed tooth between incisors and premolars. [Latin canis dog] canister /'kaenista(r)/ n. 1 small container for tea etc. 2 cylinder of shot, teargas, etc., exploding on impact. [Greek kanastron wicker basket] canker -n. 1 destructive disease of trees and plants. 2 ulcerous ear disease of animals. 3 corrupting influence, -v. 1 infect with canker. 2 corrupt. 3 (as cankered adj.) soured, malignant, z

canna

canter

117

cankerous

adj.

related

[Latin:

to

canonical dress of clergy, [medieval

tropical plant with bright flowers and ornamental leaves. [Latin: related to cane] cannabis /'kaenabis/ n. 1 hemp plant. 2 parts of it used as a narcotic. [Latin from

canonist /'kaenanist/ n. expert in canon

cancer]

canna

Latin: related to canon]

/'kaena/ n.

Greek]

canned

adj. 1 pre-recorded {canned music). 2 sold in a can (canned beer). 3

slang drunk.

cannelloni

/.kaena'launi/ n.pi. tubes of pasta stuffed with a savoury mixture. [Italian]

/'kaenan/

n.

(pi -ies) canning-

factory.

cannibal

/'kaemb(a)l/ n. person or anithat eats its own species. canni-

mal balism

cannibalistic

/2.

/-ba'listik/

[Spanish from Carib]

cannibalize

/'kaeniba.laiz/

v.

(also -ise)

(-zing or -sing) use (a machine etc.) as a source of spare parts. cannibaliz-

ation

/-'zeiJXa)n/ n.

cannon

/'kaenan/ -n.

1

hist.

(pi.

usu.

same) large heavy esp. mounted gun. 2 Billiards hitting of two balls successively by the player's ball. -v. (usu. foil, by against, into) collide. [Italian: related to cane]

cannonade

/.kaena'neid/ -n. period of

continuous heavy gunfire, -v. (-ding) bombard with a cannonade. [Italian: related to

cannon]

cannon-ball

n. hist,

large ball fired by

a cannon.

cannon-fodder n.

soldiers regarded as

expendable.

cannot

/'kaenot/ v.aux. can not. /'kaeni/ adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 shrewd, N.Engl. worldly-wise; thrifty. 2 Scot.

canny

&

pleasant, agreeable.

canniness

canoe

n.

cannily adv.

[from can 1 ]

narrow boat with pointed ends, usu. paddled, -v. (-noes, -noed, -noeing) travel in a canoeist n. [Spanish and Haicanoe. /ka'nu:/ -n. small

tian]

canon /'kaenan/ n.1a

general law, rule, principle, or criterion, b church decree or law. 2 {fern, canoness) member of a cathedral chapter. 3 body of (esp. sacred) writings accepted as genuine. 4 the part of the Roman Catholic Mass containing the words of consecration. 5 Mus. piece with different parts taking up the same theme successively. [Greek

kanon

canon

rule] var. of

canonical

canyon.

/ka'nDmk(a)l/ -adj. (also canonic) 1 a according to canon law. b included in the canon of Scripture. 2 authoritative, accepted. 3 of a cathedral chapter or a member of it. -n. (in pi.)

/'kaena.naiz/

v.

(also

-ise)

(-zing or -sing) 1 a declare officially to be a saint, usu. with a ceremony, b regard as a saint. 2 admit to the canon of Scripture. 3 sanction by Church authority, c canonization /-'zeij(a)n/ n. [medieval Latin: related to canon]

canon law canoodle kiss

cannery

adj.

law.

canonize

n.

ecclesiastical law.

/ka'nu:d(a)l/*t;. (-ling) colloq.

and cuddle,

[origin

canopy /'kaenapi/-rc.

unknown]

a covering suspended over a throne, bed, etc. b sky. c overhanging shelter. 2 Archit. rooflike projection over a niche etc. 3 expanding part of a parachute, -v. (-ies, -ied) supply or be a canopy to. [Greek, = mosquito-net] canst archaic 2nd person sing, of can 1 cant -n. 1 insincere pious or moral talk. 2 language peculiar to a class, profession, etc.; jargon, -v. use cant, [probably from Latin: related to chant] cant 2 -n. 1 slanting surface, bevel. 2 oblique push or jerk. 3 tilted position. -v. push or pitch out of level; tilt. [Low German or Dutch, = edge] (pi. -ies) 1

.

1

can't

/ka:nt/ contr. can not. /'kaentaeb/ abbr. of

Cantab,

Cambridge

University. [Latin Cantabrigiensis]

cantabile /kaen'ta:bi,lei/ Mus. -adv. & adj. in smooth flowing style, -n. cantabile passage or movement. [Italian, = singable]

Cantabrigian of

Cambridge or

/.kaenta'bridsian/ -adj. its university, -n. per-

son from Cambridge or

its

[Cantabrigia, Latinized bridge]

name

university. of Cam-

cantaloup

/'kaenta,lu:p/ n. (also cantaloupe) small round ribbed melon. [CanRome, where it was first near taluppi grown in Europe]

cantankerous

/kaen'taenkaras/

bad-tempered, quarrelsome,

adj.

cantan-

kerously adv. cantankerousness

n.

[origin uncertain]

cantata

/kaen'ta:ta/ n.

canteen

/kaen'ti:n/ n. 1

Mus. composition with vocal solos and usu. choral and orchestral accompaniment. [Italian: related to chant] a restaurant for

employees in an office, factory, etc. b shop for provisions in a barracks or camp. 2 case of cutlery. 3 soldier's or camper's water-flask. [Italian, = cellar] canter -n. horse's pace between a trot and a gallop, -v. go or make go at a canter. [Canterbury gallop of medieval pilgrims]

canticle canticle

kaentik(a)l. n.

with a biblical CHANT]

cantilever or

beam

text.

song or chant

[Latin canticum

'kaenti,li:v8(r), n. 1

bracket

projecting from a wall to

etc.

unknown] cantilever bridge n. bridge made of cantilevers projecting from piers and adj. [origin

connected by girders.

canto

kaentau n. (pi. -s) division of a long poem. [Latin cantus: related to

chant]

canton

-n. kaentDn subdivision of a country, esp. of Switzerland, -v. kaen'tu:n put (troops) into quarters. 2 [French, = corner: related to cant cantonment kaen'tu:nmant n. 1 lodging assigned to troops. 2 hist, permanent military station in India. [French: ]

related to canton] leader. [Latin,

n. 1 church choir precentor in a synagogue.

'kaenta:(r)

2

= singer]

canvas

kasnvas -n. 1 strong coarse cloth used for sails and tents etc. and for oil-painting. 2 a painting on canvas, esp. in oils. —v. (-ss-; US -s-) cover with canvas. under canvas 1 in tents. 2 with sails spread. [Latin: related to cannabis] canvass kaenvas -v. 1 solicit votes, esp. from a constituency electorate. 2 a ascertain the opinions of. b seek custom from. 3 propose (an idea or plan etc.). -n. canvassing, esp. of electors. canvasser n. [originally = toss in sheet,

from canvas]

canyon

kaenjan

n. (also

canon) deep

gorge. [Spanish canon tube] abbr. Common Agricultural Policy

CAP

(of the EC). 1 a soft brimless hat, usu. with a peak, b head-covering worn in a particu-

cap -n.

cap bership of a sports board. 2 a cover like top for a bottle, jar,

lar profession, c

etc. 3

as a sign of

mem-

team, d mortara cap (kneecap), b

pen, camera lens, = Dutch cap. 4 = percussion cap.

crown. — n, f-pp-) 1 a put a cap on. b cover the top or end of. c set a limit to (charge-capping). 2 award a sports cap to. 3 form the top of. 4 surpass, excel. 5 dental

cap in hand humbly, if the cap fits remark) if it applies to you, so be it. to cap it all after everything else. [Latin (of a

cappa]

capability ability,

.kerpa'biliti

n.

(pi.

-ies) 1

power. 2 undeveloped or unused

faculty.

capable

of

(explanation, improvement, adv. [Latin capio hold]

etc.).

capably

capacious

support a balcony etc. 2 beam or girder fixed at one end only. cantilevered

cantor

capital

118

keipab(a)l

adj.

1

able, gifted. 2 (foil, by of) a ability, fitness, etc. for. b

competent, having the admitting

ka'peijas, adj. roomy, capaciousness n. [Latin capax: related to capable]

capacitance

ka'paesit(a)ns n. 1 ability to store electric charge. 2 ratio of change in the electric charge in a system to the corresponding change in its potential. capacitor ka'paesita(r) n. device able to store electric charge.

capacity power to

ka'paesiti n. (pi. -ies) 1 a contain, receive, experience, or produce (capacity for heat, pain, etc.). b maximum amount that can be contained or produced etc. c (attrib.) fully occupying the available space etc. (capacity crowd). 2 mental power. 3 position or function. 4 legal competence, z to capacity fully. [Latin: related to capacious] caparison ka'paens(a)n' literary -n. 1 (usu. in pi.) horse's trappings. 2 equipment, finery, -v. adorn. [Spanish, =

saddle-cloth] n. 1 sleeveless cloak. 2 this worn over or as part of a longer cloak or coat. [Latin cappa cap] cape- n. 1 headland, promontory. 2 (the Cape) the Cape of Good Hope. [Latin

cape

1

caput head]

caper - v. jump

or run playfully, -n. 1 playful leap. 2 a prank, b slang illicit activity, z cut a caper frolic, [abbreviation of capriole] caper 2 n. 1 bramble-like shrub. 2 (in pi.) its pickled buds used esp. in a sauce. [Greek kapparis] 1

capercaillie

.kaepa'keili,

n.

(also

large European -lzi ) grouse. [Gaelic, = horse of the forest] capillarity .kaepi'laeriti n. the rise or depression of a liquid in a narrow tube. [French: related to capillary] capillary ka pilari -attrib. adj. 1 of or like a hair, esp. (of a tube) of very small diameter. 2 of the branching bloodvessels connecting arteries and veins. -n. (pi. -ies) 1 capillary tube. 2 capillary blood vessel. [Latin capillus hair] capillary action n. = capillarity. capital kaepit(a)l -n. 1 chief town or city of a country or region. 2 a money etc. with which a company starts in business, b accumulated wealth. 3 capitalists collectively. 4 capital letter. 5 head of a column or pillar, -adj. 1 a principal, most important, b colloq. excellent. 2 a involving punishment by death, b (of an error etc.) vitally harmful, fatal. 3 (of letters of the alphabet) large in size, used to begin sentences make capital out of and names etc.

capercailzie

capital gain

capital goods

n.pl.

machinery, plant,

economic and political system dependent on private capital and profit-making. capitalist -n. 1 person investing or n.

possessing capital. 2 advocate of capitalism, -adj. of or favouring capitalism. capitalistic /- hstik/ adj. capitalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 (foil, by on) use to one's advantage. 2 convert into or provide with capital. 3 a write (a letter of the alphabet) as a capital, b begin (a word) with a capital

capitalization

letter.

/-'zeij(a)n/ n.

[French: related to capital] capital levy n. tax on wealth or property.

capital sum n. lump sum, esp. payable to an insured person, capital transfer tax n. hist, tax levied on the transfer of capital by gift or bequest

etc.

Usage

This tax was replaced in 1986

by inheritance

capitation

tax.

or fee paid per person. [Latin: related to cap/,kaepi'teij(8)n/ n. tax

ital]

capitular /ka'pitjul8(r)/ adj. of a cathedral chapter. [Latin

capitulate

capitulum chapter]

/ka'pitjo.leit/

v.

(-ting) sur-

capitulation /-'leij(a)n/ n. render. [medieval Latin, = put under headings] capo /'kaepau/ n. (pi. -s) device fitted across the strings of a guitar etc. to raise their pitch equally. [Italian capo tasto

head

stop] /'keipan/ n. castrated cock fattened for eating. [Latin capo] cappuccino /.kaepu'tjrnau/ n. (pi. -s) frothy milky coffee. [Italian, = Capu-

capon

chin]

caprice

/ka'pri:s/ n. 1

this. 2 lively

a whim, b tend-

or fanciful

art, music, etc. [Italian capriccio

work

of

sudden

start]

capricious

/ka'prijas/ adj. subject to

capriciously whims; unpredictable. adv. capriciousness n.

Capricorn

/'kaepn.kom/ n. 1 constellation and tenth sign of the zodiac (the Goat). 2 person born when the sun is in this sign. [Latin caper -pri goat, cornu

horn] /'kaepri.aul/ -n. leap, caper, esp. of a trained horse, -v.

car. -v.

chauvinist n.

1

full

who shows

prejudice against

(

chauvinistic

cheapen

dl

make

cheapskate being chaste.

ornate outer vestment worn by a celebrant at Mass or the Eucharist. [Latin casubla] -r.

talk in a light familiar

(-tt-)

way. -n. 1 pleasant informal talk. 2 any chat up colloq. of various songbirds, chat to. esp. flirtatiously or with an [shortening

motive.

ulterior

of

chatter]

chateau

Jaetau

French

country

n. (pi.

-x

house

-teuz

or

)

large

castle.

[French: related to castle] Jaeta.lem n. 1 mistress of a large house. 2 hist, set of short chains attached to a woman's belt, for carrying keys etc. [medieval Latin castellanus: related to castle] chatline n. telephone service which sets up a social conference call among youngsters. chat show n. television or radio broadcast in which celebrities are interviewed informally.

chatelaine

chattel able

traet(a)l

possession.

n.

(usu. in pi) movrelated to

[French:

cattle]

chatter

-v.

talk quickly, incessantly.

1

trivially, or indiscreetly. 2 (of a bird.

monkey,

emit short quick sounds. 3 (of teeth) click repeatedly together, -n. chattering talk or sounds, [imitative] etc.)

chatterbox

n.

talkative person.

or

become cheap:

at

low

seller of inferior goods prices, -adj. inferior, shoddy. n. esp. US colloq. stingy

person.

loose sleeve-

less usu.

chat

-

-

cheapjack —n.

n.

women.

nistik adj. chauvinistically nistikali adv. cheap -adj. 1 low in price: worth more than its cost. 2 charging low prices: offering good value. 3 of poor quality: inferior. 4 costing little effort and hence of little worth, -adv. cheaply, on the cheap cheaply. cheaply adv. cheapness n. [Old English. = price, bargain]

chastisement n. chastity tjaestra

n.

person exhibiting chaumale chauvinist) man

vinism. 2 in

depreciate, degrade.

tjaes'taiz v. i-sing)1 rebuke severely. 2 punish, esp. by beating,

tja?zjub(a)l

)

fond of chatchattily adv.

chauffeur

chastise

chasuble

1

cheat - v.

1 a (often foil, by into, out oft deceive or trick, b (foil, by of) deprive of. 2 gain an unfair advantage by deception or breaking rules, -tl 1 person who cheat on cheats. 2 trick, deception. colloq. be sexually unfaithful to. [from escheat]

check -

1 a examine the accuracy or quality of. b make sure, verify. 2 a stop or slow the motion of: curb, b colloq. rebuke. 3 Chess directly threaten (the opposing king). 4 US agree on compar-

US mark with a tick etc. 6 US deposit (luggage etc.V -n. 1 means or act of testing or ensuring accuracy, quality, etc. 2 a stopping or slowing of motion, b rebuff or rebuke, c person or thing that restrains. 3 a pattern of small squares, b fabric so patterned, c (attrib.^ so patterned. 4 (also as int.) Chess exposure of a king to direct attack. 5 US restaurant bill. 6 US = cheque. 7 esp. ison. 5

US token of identification for left luggage etc. 8 US Cords counter used in games. 9 temporary loss of the scent in check in 1 arrive or register hunting. at a hotel, airport, etc. 2 record the arrival of. check into register one's arrival at (a hotel etc.V check off mark list etc. as having been examined,

on a

check on examine, verify, keep watch on. check out 1 (often foil, by of) leave a hotel etc. with due formalities. 2 esp.

US

checked check up make sure, vercheck up on = check on. [Persian,

Investigate, ity

= king)

having a check pattern. person etc. that examines,

adj. 1

n.

esp. in a factory etc. 2 n. 1 var. of chequer. 2 US a (in pi. usu. treated as sing.) draughts, b piece used in this game. check-in /?. act or place of checking in. checkmate -n. (also as int.) Chess check from which a king cannot escape. -v. (-ting) 1 Chess put into checkmate. 2 frustrate. [French: related to check, Persian mat is deadl checkout n. 1 act of checking out. 2 paydesk in a supermarket etc. checkpoint n. place, esp. a barrier or entrance, where documents, vehicles, etc., are inspected. check-up n. thorough (esp. medical)

checker

/'tjeda(r)/ n.

a kind of firm

smooth cheese. [Cheddar in Somerset] cheek - 1 a side of the face below the eye. b side-wall of the mouth. 2 a impertinence: cool confidence, b impertinent speech. 3 slang buttock, —v. be impertinent to. cheek by jowl close together; intimate. [Old English] cheek-bone n. bone below the eye. adj. (-ier, -iest) impertinent,

cheekily adv. cheekiness -n.

weak

n.

shrill cry of a

young

bird. -v. make such a cry. [imitative] cheer -n. 1 shout of encouragement or

applause. 2 mood, disposition (full of good cheer). 3 (in pi; as int.) colloq. a expressing good wishes on parting or before drinking, b expressing gratitude. -v. 1 a applaud with shouts, b (usu. foil, by on) urge with shouts. 2 shout for joy. cheer up make or 3 gladden; comfort, become less depressed. [Latin cara face,

from Greek]

cheerful

in good spirits, noticecheer2 bright, pleasant.

adj.

1

ably happy. fully adv. cheerfulness

cheerio

n.

/.tjin'ao/ int. colloq.

expressing

good wishes on parting. cheer-leader n. person who leads cheers of applause etc. cheerless adj. gloomy, dreary.

cheery

(-ier,

adj.

-iest)

cheerily adv. cheeriness

cheese

/tji:z/

n.

1

a food

cheerful, n.

made from

curds of milk, b cake of this with rind. 2 conserve with the consistency of soft cheese,

a

in

cheesy

cheeseburger cheese in or

cheesecake ened curds

on

adj. [Latin caseus] n.

hamburger

with

it.

n. 1 tart filled

etc.

with sweet-

2 slang portrayal of

sexually

stimulating

manner. n.

thin

loosely-woven

cloth.

cheesed /tji:zd/ adj. slang (often foil, by off) bored, fed up. [origin unknown] cheese-paring adj. stingy. cheese plant n. climbing plant with

holes in

its

cheetah

leaves.

/'tji:t9/ n.

swift-running spot-

ted leopard-like feline. [Hindi] chef /Jef/ n. (usu. male)- cook, esp. the chief cook in a restaurant. [French] Chelsea bun /'tjelsi/ n. currant bun in the form of a flat spiral. [Chelsea in

London] n. inmate of the Chelsea Royal Hospital for old or dis-

Chelsea pensioner abled soldiers.

chemical

/'kemik(a)l/ —adj. of,

made

employing chemistry or chem-n. substance obtained or used in

by, or icals,

examination.

Cheddar

cheep

women

cheesecloth

checked checker

cheeky

chequer

139

chemistry. chemically adv. [French or medieval Latin: related to alchemy] chemical engineering n. creation and operation of industrial chemical plants.

chemical engineer

n.

chemical warfare

n. warfare using poison gas and other chemicals.

chemise

/Ja'miiz/ n. hist, woman's loose-fitting undergarment or dress. [Latin camisia shirt]

chemist

/'kemist/ n. 1 dealer in medicinal drugs etc. 2 expert in chemistry. [French: related to alchemy]

chemistry

/'kemistn/

n.

(pi.

-ies)

1

branch of science dealing with the elements and the compounds they form and the reactions they undergo. 2 chemical composition and properties of a substance. 3 colloq. sexual attraction.

chemotherapy

/,ki:m9u'0erapi/

n.

treatment of disease, esp. cancer, by chemical substances. chenille /JVniil/ n. 1 tufty velvety cord or yarn. 2 fabric of this. [French, = caterpillar, from Latin canicula little dog] cheque /tjek/ n. 1 written order to a bank to pay the stated sum from the drawer's account. 2 printed form on which this is written, [from check] cheque-book n. book of forms for writing cheques. cheque card n. card issued by a bank to guarantee the honouring of cheques up to a stated amount. chequer /'tj"ek8(r)/ -n. 1 (often in pi.) pattern of squares often alternately col2 oured. 2 var. of checker 2. -v. 1 mark with chequers. 2 variegate; break the

uniformity of. 3 (as chequered adj.) varied with fortunes (chequered career), [from exchequer]

cherish cherish

v.

1

cherubic /tji'ru:bik/ from Hebrew] chervil /'tj3:vil/ n. herb used for flainnocent child.

adj. [ultimately

vouring. [Greek khairephullon] /'tjej8(r)/ n. a kind of firm crumbly cheese. like a Cheshire cat with a broad fixed grin. [Cheshire in

Cheshire England]

16

men each, [French:

n.

game for two with

played

chessboard

n. chequered board of 64 squares on which chess and draughts

are played.

chessman

n.

any of the 32 pieces and

pawns with which chess is played. chest n. 1 large strong box. 2 a part

of the body enclosed by the ribs, b front surface of the body from the neck to the bottom of the ribs. 3 small cabinet for medicines etc. z get a thing off one's chest colloq. disclose a secret etc. to relieve one's anxiety about it. [Latin cista]

chesterfield /'tjesta.fiild/ n. sofa with arms and back of the same height and curved outwards at the top. [Earl of Chesterfield]

chestnut /'tJesnAt/ -n. 1 a glossy hard brown edible nut. b tree bearing it. 2 = horse chestnut. 3 wood of any chestnut. 4 horse of a reddish-brown colour. 5 colloq. stale joke etc. 6 reddish-brown. -adj. reddish-brown. [Greek kastanea nut] chest of drawers n. piece of furniture consisting of a set of drawers in a frame, chesty adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. inclined to or symptomatic of chest disease, z chestily adv. chestiness n. cheval-glass /JVvael/ n. tall mirror swung on an upright frame. [Latin cabal las horse] chevalier /Jeva'liatr)/ n. member of certain orders of knighthood, or of the French Legion of Honour etc. [medieval

Latin caballarius horseman]

chevron

chew

work

-v.

teeth, —n.

sweet, z

1

(food etc.) between the act of chewing. 2 chewy

chew on

1

work continuously

between the teeth. 2 think about, chew over 1 discuss, talk over. 2 think about. [Old English]

chewing-gum

n.

flavoured

gum

for

chewing.

chewy adj.

(-ier, -iest) 1 needing much chewing. 2 suitable for chewing, z

chewiness n. chez /Jei/ prep,

at the home of. [Latin casa cottage] chi /kai/ n. twenty-second letter of the Greek alphabet (X, [Greek] Chianti /ki'aenti/ n. (pi. -s) red wine from the Chianti area in Italy.

chiaroscuro

/ki.airg'skoarao/

n.

1

treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting. 2 use of contrast in literature etc. [Italian, = clear dark]

chic

/Ji:k/

-adj. (chic-er, chic-est) styl-

ish, elegant, -n. stylishness, elegance.

on a chessboard. related to check]

chess

chief

140

protect or tend lovingly. 2 hold dear, cling to (hopes, feelings, etc.). [French cher dear, from Latin car us] cheroot /JVru:t/ n. cigar with both ends open. [French from Tamil] cherry /'tjeri/-rc. (pi. -ies) 1 a small soft round stone-fruit, b tree bearing this or grown for its ornamental flowers, c its wood. 2 light red colour, -adj. of light red colour. [Greek kerasos] cherub /'tjerab/ n. 1 (pi. -im) angelic being of the second order of the celestial hierarchy. 2 a representation of a winged child or its head, b beautiful or /'tJeriJV

/'Jevran/ n. V-shaped line or caper goat]

stripe. [Latin

[French] /Ji'kem/ -n. 1 artificial barrier or obstacle on a motor racecourse. 2 chicanery, -v. (-ning) archaic 1 use chicanery. 2 (usu. foil, by into, out of, etc.) cheat (a person). [French] chicanery /Ji'keman/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 clever but misleading talk. 2 trickery, deception. [French]

chicane

chick n. woman.

young

1

[Old

bird. 2 slang

English:

young

related

to

chicken]

chicken

/'tjikm/ -n. 1 a domestic fowl. b its flesh as food. 2 young bird of a domestic fowl. 3 youthful person (is no

chicken), -adj. colloq. cowardly, -v. (foil, by out) colloq. withdraw through cowardice. [Old English] chicken-feed n. 1 food for poultry. 2 colloq. trivial amount, esp. of money, chickenpox n. infectious disease, esp. of children, with a rash of small blisters, chicken-wire n. light wire netting

with a hexagonal mesh, n. yellow pea-like seed used

chick-pea

as a vegetable. [Latin cicer]

chickweed

n.

small weed with tiny

white flowers.

chicle

milky juice of a tropused in chewing-gum. [Spanish from Nahuatl] /'tjik(a)l/ n.

ical tree,

chicory

/'tjikari/ n.

(pi.

-ies) 1

plant

with leaves used in salads. 2 its root, roasted and ground and used with or instead of coffee. 3 esp. US = endive. [Greek kikhorion] chide v. (past chided or chid; past part. chided or chidden) archaic scold, rebuke. [Old English] chief -n. 1 a leader or ruler, b head of a tribe, clan, etc. 2 head of a department;

Chief Constable -adj. 1 first in position, Importance, influence, etc. 2 prominent, leading. [Latin caput head] Chief Constable n. head of the police force of a county etc. chiefly adv. above all; mainly but not exclusively. Chief of Staff n. senior staff officer of a service or command, chieftain /'tji:ft(9)n/ n. leader of a tribe,

highest

official,

clan, etc. chieftaincy n. [Latin: related to chief]

chiffchaff /'tjiftjaef/

:

n.

(pi.

-ies).

/'

chignon

diaphanous

fab-

[French chiffe rag]

/'Ji:nj5/ n. coil

of hair at the

back of a woman's head. [French] chihuahua /tJYwa:wa/ n. dog of a very small smooth-haired breed. [Chihuahua in Mexico]

'

!

chilblain /'tjilblem/ n. painful itching swelling on a hand, foot, etc., caused by

I'

exposure to cold, [from chill, blain inflamed sore, blister] child ./tjaild./ n. (pi. children /'tjildran/) 1 a young human being below the age of puberty, b unborn or newborn human being. 2 one's son or daughter. 3 (foil, by of) descendant, follower, or product of. 4 childless adj. [Old childish person.

j

,

i

English]

child abuse esp.

n. maltreatment of a child, by physical violence or sexual

molestation. n. regular payment by the State to the parents of a child up to a certain age. childbirth n. giving birth to a child, ichild care n. the care of children, esp. by a local authority, childhood n. state or period of being a

Ichild benefit I

I

!

i

child.

|

childish

1

of, like,

or proper to a

childishly immature, silly. adv. childishness n. qualities good childlike adj. having the of a child, such as innocence, frankness, child. 2

I

i

adj.

etc.

child-minder

n. person looking after children for payment. jchild's play n. easy task. [chili var. of chilli. [chill -n. 1 a unpleasant cold sensation; lowered body temperature, b feverish I cold. 2 unpleasant coldness (of air, water, etc.). 3 depressing influence. 4 coldness of manner, -v. 1 make or become cold. 2 depress; horrify. 3 preserve (food or drink) by cooling, -adj. literary chilly. [Old English] i

;

.

milli

/'tjili/ n.

(also chili) (pi -es) hot-

tasting dried red ish from Aztec]

con carne /knn 'ka:m/

capsicum pod. [Span-

n.

dish of

mince and beans, 1 somewhat

chilli-flavoured

chilly

adj. (-ier, -iest)

cold. 2 sensitive to the cold. 3 unfriendly;

unemotional.

Chiltern Hundreds /'t;ilt(a)n/ n.pl Crown manor, whose administration is a nominal office for which an MP applies as a way of resigning from the House of Commons. [Chiltern Hills in S.

England] -n.

set

1

sounds made by

of attuned bells. 2

(-ming) 1 (of (the time) by chimby together, with) be in agreement. chime in 1 interject a remark. 2 join in harmoniously. 3 (foil, by with) agree with. [Old English: related to cymbal] bells) ring. 2

JifDn/ n. light

ric of silk, nylon, etc.

;

chilli

chime

small European

warbler, [imitative]

chiffon

chinchilla

141

this. -v'.

show

ing. 3 (usu. foil,

chimera

/kai'miara/

n.

(in

1

mythology) monster with a

Greek

lion's head,

goat's body, and serpent's tail. 2 bogey. 3 wild or fantastic conception, z chimerical /-'menk(8)l/ adj. [Latin from

Greek]

chimney

/'tjimni/ n. (pi -s)

conducting smoke

etc.

1

channel

up and away

from a fire, engine, etc. 2 part of this above a roof. 3 glass tube protecting the flame of a lamp. 4 narrow vertical crack in a rock-face. [Latin caminus oven, from Greek]

chimney-breast

n.

projecting

wall

surrounding a chimney. chimney-pot n. earthenware or metal pipe at the top of a chimney. chimney-stack n. number of chimneys grouped in one structure. chimney-sweep n. person who removes soot from inside chimneys. chimp n. colloq. = chimpanzee. [abbreviation]

chimpanzee

small n. [French from

/.tjimpan'zi:/

African manlike ape.

Kongo]

keep n. front of the lower jaw. one's chin up colloq. remain cheerful, blow severe a suffer the chin on take [Old courageously. endure from;

chin

English]

china

/'tjaina/ -n. 1 fine white or translucent ceramic ware, porcelain, etc. 2 things made of this. -adj. made of china. [China in Asia]

china clay

n.

kaolin.

Chinaman /'tjainaman/ n.

archaic or native of China. 2 Cricket ball bowled by a leftfrom off to leg. bowler that spins handed chinchilla /tjm'tjila/ n. 1 a small S. American rodent, b its soft grey fur. 2 breed of cat or rabbit. [Spanish chinche bug] derog.

(now usu.

offens.)

1

chine a backbone, b joint of meat containing all or part of this. 2 ridge, -v. (-ning) cut (meat) through the backbone. [Latin spina spine] Chinese /tjai'ni:z/ -adj. of China, -n. 1 Chinese language. 2 (pi. same) a native or national of China, b person of Chinese descent. 1

Chinese lantern n.

1 collapsible paper lantern. 2 plant with an orange-red papery calyx.

Chinese leaf n.

Chink

lettuce-like cabbage.

slang

n.

a

offens.

Chinese,

[abbreviation]

chink

1

narrow opening; narrow ravine]

n.

to chine

chink

chlorinate

142

chine —n.

slit,

[related

2

-v. (cause to) make a sound like glasses or coins striking together, -n. this sound, [imitative]

chinless

adj. colloq.

feeble in

chintzy

an elegantly ornate 18th-c. [name of a cabinet-maker] chiro- comb, form hand. [Greek kheir] style,

chiromancy

/'kaiarau.maensi/ palmistry. [Greek mantis seer]

wonder

n.

ineffectual esp.

adj. (-ier, -iest)

1

like chintz. 2

gaudy, cheap. 3 characteristic of decor associated with chintz soft furnishings. chin-wag slang -n. talk or chat. -v. (-gg-) chat.

chip -n.

1 small piece removed by chopping etc. 2 place or mark where a piece has been broken off. 3 a strip of potato, usu. deep-fried, b US potato crisp. 4 counter used in some games to represent money. 5 = microchip, -v. (-pp-) 1 (often foil, by off, away) cut or break (a piece) from a hard material. 2 (often foil,

at, away at) cut pieces off (a hard material) to alter its shape etc. 3 be apt to break at the edge. 4 (usu. as chipped chip adj.) make (potatoes) into chips. in colloq. 1 interrupt. 2 contribute (money etc.). a chip off the old block child resembling its parent, esp. in character, a chip on one's shoulder colloq. inclination to feel resentful or aggrieved, when the chips are down colloq. when it comes to the point. [Old English]

by

chipboard n. board made from compressed wood chips.

chipmunk American

striped N. [Algonsquirrel.

/'tJipmAnk/

ground

n.

quian]

chipolata

/.tjipa'laita/ n. small thin sausage. [French from Italian]

n.

chiropody

/ki'ropadi/ n. treatment of the feet and their ailments. chiro-

podist

n.

[Greek pous podos

chiropractic

foot]

/.kaiarau'praektik/

n.

treatment of disease by manipulation of esp. the spinal column, z chiropractor /'kaiarau-/ n. [Greek pratto do] chirp —v. 1 (of small birds, grasshoppers, etc.) utter a short sharp note. 2 speak or utter merrily, -n. chirping sound, [imitative]

chirpy

adj. colloq. (-ier, -iest) cheerful,

chirpily adv. chirpiness

chirrup

/'tjirap/ -v.

-n.

repeatedly,

upper-class person. chinoiserie /Jin'wa:zan/ n. 1 imitation of Chinese motifs in painting and in decorating furniture. 2 object(s) in this style. [French] chintz /tjints/ n. printed multicoloured usu. glazed cotton fabric. [Hindi from Sanskrit]

/'tjipan.deil/ adj. (of fur-

niture) of

lively, z

weak or

character.

chinless

Chippendale

(-p-)

n.

chirp, esp.

chirruping

sound,

[imitative]

chisel /'tjiz(9)l/ -n. hand tool with a squared bevelled blade for shaping wood, stone, or metal, -v. 1 (-11-; US -1-) cut or shape with a chisel. 2 (as chiselled adj.) (of facial features) clear-cut, fine. 3 slang cheat. [Latin caedo cut] n. 1 derog. or joc. young small

chit

1

woman

(esp.

a chit of a girl). 2 young = whelp, cub]

child, [originally 2

chit n. 1 note of requisition, of a sum owed, etc. 2 note or memorandum. [Hindi from Sanskrit] chit-chat n. colloq. light conversation; gossip, [reduplication of chat]

chivalrous

/'Jivalras/ adj.

gallant,

1

honourable. 2 of or showing chivalry.

chivalrously adv. to

[Latin:

related

CHEVALIER]

chivalry

/'Jivalri/

n.

medieval

1

knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code. 2 honour, courtesy, and readiness to help the weak.

chivalric adj. n. small plant with long onion-

chive

flavoured leaves. [Latin cepa onion] (-ies, -ied) urge persistently, nag. [probably from ballad of Chevy Chase] chloral /'klo:r(a)l/ n. 1 colourless liquid

chivvy /'tjivi/ v.

aldehyde used in making DDT. 2 (in full chloral hydrate) Pharm. crystalline solid made from this and used as a sedative. [French: related to chlorine, alcohol]

chloride /'klo:raid/ n. 1 compound of chlorine and another element or group. 2 bleaching agent containing this.

chlorinate

/'klo:ri,neit/

v.

(-ting)

impregnate or treat with chlorine. chlorination /-'neij(a)n/ n.

chlorine chlorine

poisonous

n.

gaseous element used for purifying water etc. [Greek khloros green]

chlorotluorocarbon see CFC. chloroform "klDra,fa:m/ -n. colourformerly used as a general anaesthetic, -v. render unconscious with this, [from chlorine, formic acid] less volatile liquid

chlorophyll ment found

klDrafil/

in

most

khloros green, phullon

choc

n.

n.

green pig[Greek

plants. leaf]

colloq. chocolate, [abbreviation]

choc-ice

n.

bar of ice-cream covered

with chocolate. -n. block or wedge to check the motion of a wheel etc. -v. make fast with chocks. [French]

chock

chock-a-block predic. adj. (often by with) crammed together or full, chock-full predic.

crammed

adj. (often foil,

foil.

by

of)

-n. 1 a food preparation in the form of a paste or solid block made from ground cacao seeds and usu. sweetened, b sweet made of or coated with this, c drink containing this. 2 deep brown, -adj. 1 made from chocolate. 2 deep brown. [Aztec choco/'tjoklat/

late

choice -n.

1 a act of choosing, b thing or person chosen. 2 range from which to choose. 3 power or opportunity to

choose, -adj. of superior quality. [Germanic: related to choose] choir /'kwaia(r)/ n. 1 regular group of singers, esp. in a church. 2 part of a cathedral or large church between the altar and nave. [Latin: related to

choirboy

n. (fern,

church

choirgirl) boy singer

choir.

choke -v.

(-king)1 stop the breathing of person or animal), esp. by constricting the windpipe or (of gas, smoke, etc.) by being unbreathable. 2 suffer a stoppage of breath. 3 make or become speechless from emotion. 4 retard the growth of or kill (esp. plants) by depriving of light etc. 5 (often foil, by back) suppress (feelings) with difficulty. 6 (a

block or clog (a passage, tube,

choked

one of the four

/'kDla(r)/ n. 1 hist

humours,

cholera

or archaic anger,

bile. 2 poet,

irascibility.

[Greek khole

bile]

infectious often bacterial disease of the small intestine, [related to choler] choleric 'kDlarik adj. irascible, angry. cholesterol /ka'lestajDl/ n. sterol found in most body tissues, including /'kDlara/

n.

fatal

the blood where high concentrations promote arteriosclerosis. [from choler, Greek stereos stiff]

chomp

= champ

v.

choose

1 ,

[imitative]

chose chosen) 1 select out of a greater number. 2 (usu. foil, by between, from) take or select one or another. 3 (usu. foil, by to + infin.) decide, be determined. 4 select as (was chosen leader), z nothing (or little) to choose between them they are very /tju:z/

(-sing; past

u.

/tjauz/; past part,

choosy

/'tju:zi/ adj. (-ier. -iest) colloq.

fastidious, z choosiness n. chop 1 -v. (-pp-) 1 (usu. foil, by off, down, etc.) cut or fell by the blow of an axe etc. 2 (often foil, by up) cut into small pieces. 3 strike (esp. a ball) with a short heavy edgewise blow. -n. 1 cutting blow. 2 thick slice of meat (esp. pork or lamb) usu. including a rib. 3 short chopping stroke in cricket etc. 4 (prec. by the) slang a = sack 1 n. 2. b killing or being 2 killed, [related to chap ]

chop 2

(usu.

n.

etc.).

7 (as

disgusted, disappointed, -n. 1 valve in a carburettor controlling the intake of air. 2 device for smoothing the variations of an alternatchoke up block (a chaning current. nel etc.). [Old English] 3hoker n. close-fitting necklace, cholecalciferol /.kDlikael'sifa.rol/ n. a vitamin (D 3 ) produced by the action of sunlight on a steroid in the skin, [from adj.) colloq.

CHOLER, CALCIFEROL]

in

pi) jaw.

[origin

unknown]

chop

3

v.

vacillate;

chop and change

(-pp-)

change direction frequently,

chop logic argue haps related

chorus] in a

choler

similar. [Old English]

full.

chocolate

chord

143 /'kb:ri:n/

to

pedantically,

[per-

cheap]

chopper

n. 1 a short axe with a large blade, b butcher's cleaver. 2 colloq. helicopter. 3 colloq. type of bicycle or motor cycle with high handlebars. choppy adj. (-ier, -iest) (of the sea etc.) choppily adv. choppifairly rough,

ness

1

n.

[from chop ] n. each of a pair of sticks

chopstick

held in one hand as eating utensils by the Chinese, Japanese, etc. [pidgin English from Chinese, = nimble ones] chopsuey /tjDp'su:i/ n. (pi. -s) Chinesestyle dish of meat fried with vegetables and rice. [Chinese, = mixed bits] choral /'ko:r(a)l/ adj. of, for, or sung by a choir or chorus, [medieval Latin: related to chorus]

chorale

/kn'ra:l/

n.

1

simple stately

hymn tune; harmonized form of this. 2 esp. US choir. [German: related to choral]

chord

/ko:d/ n. group of notes sounded together, [originally cord from accord] 1

chord chord 2

the ends of an of a harp etc.

1

strike a chord elicit cord] chordate /'ko:deit/ -n. animal having a cartilaginous skeletal rod at some stage of its development, -adj. of chordates. [Latin chorda chord 2 after Vertebrata

sympathy,

[var. of

n.

tedious or routine task, esp.

domestic, [from char

choreograph

2 ]

/'kona.graif/

v.

compose

choreography for (a ballet etc.).

eographer

chor-

/-i'Dgrafa(r)/ n.

choreography

/.kori'Dgrafi/ n. design

or arrangement of a ballet

reographic

/-a'graefik/

etc.

adj.

cho[Greek

khoreia dance]

chorister

/'kDrista(r)/ n.

member

of a

choir, esp. a choirboy. [French: related to choir] chortle /'tJo:t(9)l/ -n. gleeful chuckle. -v. (-ling) utter or express with a chortle, [probably from chuckle,

snort]

chorus

/'ko:ras/

-n.

(pi. -es) 1

group of

singers; choir. 2 music composed for a choir. 3 refrain or main part of a song.

4 simultaneous of singers and

Christian Science n. Christian sect believing in the power of healing by prayer alone.

Christian Scientist n.

Christmas /'knsmas/ n. 1 (also Christmas Day) annual festival of Christ's on 25 Dec. 2 period this. Christmassy adj. [Old English: related to Christ, mass 2 ] Christmas-box n. present or gratuity birth, celebrated

around

given at Christmas.

Christmas Eve n. 24 Dec. Christmas pudding n. pudding of flour,

rich boiled

suet, dried fruit, etc.

Christmas rose

n. white-flowered winter-blooming hellebore. n. evergreen tree or imitation of this set up and decorated at Christmas.

Christmas tree

utterance.

chromatic /kra'maetik/ adj.

Mus. a of or having notes not belonging to a particular diatonic scale, b (of a scale) ascending or deschromatcending by semitones. ically adv. [Greek khrdma -mat- colour] chromatin /'kreumatm/ n. chromosome material in a cell nucleus which stains with basic dyes. [Greek: related to

5 group performing

character speaking the prologue in a play. -v. (-S-) speak or utter simultaneously. [Latin from Greek] chose past of choose. chosen past part, of choose. chough /tjAf/ n. bird with glossy blueblack plumage and red legs, [imitative] choux pastry /Ju:/ n. very light pastry enriched with eggs. [French] chow n. 1 slang food. 2 dog of a Chinese breed with long woolly hair. [Chinese chow-chow] chow mein /tjau 'mem/ n. Chinesestyle dish of fried noodles with shredded meat or shrimps etc. and vegetables. [Chinese chao mian fried flour] Christ /kraist/ -n. 1 title, also now treated as a name, given to Jesus. 2 Messiah as prophesied in the Old Testament, -int. slang expressing surprise, anger, etc. [Greek, = anointed] christen /'kns(a)n/ v. 1 baptize as a sign of admission to the Christian Church. 2 give a name to. 3 colloq. use for the first

christening

n. [Latin:

related

to Christian]

Christendom

given at baptism.

dancers

Gk Antiq. a group of performers who comment on the action in a Greek play, b utterance made by it. 7 together. 6

time.

the associated qualities. 4 colloq. kind. -n. adherent of Christianity. [Latin Christianus of Christ] Christian era n. era reckoned from Christ's birth. Christianity /.kristi'amiti/ n. 1 Christian religion. 2 being a Christian; Christian quality or character. Christian n. forename, esp. as

name

etc.]

chore

chronic

144

straight line joining arc or curve. 2 poet, string

/ko:d/ n.

/'kns9nd9m/ n. Christians worldwide. Christian /'knstj(9)n/ -adj. 1 of Christ's teaching. 2 believing in or following the religion of Christ. 3 showing

1

of colour;

in colours. 2

chrome]

chromatography

/.krauma'tDgrafi/ n.

separation of the components of a mixture by slow passage through or over material which adsorbs them differently. [Greek: related to chrome]

chrome /kraum/ n. plating. 2 (in full

1

chromium,

esp. as yel-

chrome yellow)

low pigment got from a certain compound of chromium. [Greek khrdma colour]

chromite

/'kraumait/ n. mineral of iron oxides. chromium /'kraumiam/ n. metallic element used as a shiny decorative or protective coating. chromium plate n. protective coating of chromium.

chromium and

chromosome

/'krauma.saum/

n.

threadlike structure, usu. found in the cell nucleus of animals and plants, carrying genes. [Greek: related to

chrome, soma body] chronic /'krnmk/ adj.

1

(esp.

of an

illness) long-lasting. 2 having a chronic complaint. 3 colloq. very bad; intense,

severe. 4 colloq. habitual, inveterate (a

chronicle adv.

Usage The use of chronic in sense 3 is very informal, and its use in sense 4 is considered incorrect by some people. chronicle

/'krDnik(a)l/ -n. register of

order of occurrence, —v. (-ling) record (events) thus. [Greek to chronic] related khronika: events

in

chronological 1

/,krDn9'lDd3ik(a)l/ adj. according to order of occurrence. 2 of

chronologically adv. /kra'nDlad3i/ n. (pi. -ies) science of determining dates. 2 a 1 arrangement of events etc. in order of occurrence, b table or document chronology.

chronology

displaying time, -logy]

[Greek

this.

chronometer

khronos

/kra'nDmita(r)/ n. time-

measuring instrument, esp. one used in navigation, [from chronology, -meter] chrysalis /'krisalis/ n. (pi. -lises) 1 pupa of a butterfly or moth. 2 case enclosing [Greek khrusos gold] chrysanthemum /kri'saenGamam/ n. garden plant of the daisy family bloomit.

ing in autumn. [Greek, = gold flower] yellowishgreen gem. [Greek khrusos gold, beryl] chrysolite /'knsa.lait/ n. precious variety of olivine. [Greek khrusos gold,

chrysoberyl /'krisa.benl/ n.

lithos stone]

chrysoprase

/'knsa.preiz/

n.

apple-

green variety of chalcedony. [Greek khrusos gold, prason leek]

chub

n.

Chubb

same) thick-bodied river

(pi.

fish, [origin

unknown]

Chubb

lock) propr. lock with a device for fixing the bolt immovably should someone try to pick it. [Chubb, name of a locksmith] n. (in full

chubby

adj.

(-ier,

-iest)

plump and

rounded, [from chub]

chuck

-p. 1 colloq. fling or throw carelessly or casually. 2 (often foil, by in, up) colloq. give up; reject. 3 touch playfully, esp. under the chin. -n. 1 playful touch under the chin. 2 toss.n the chuck slang dismissal; rejection, chuck out colloq. 1 expel (a person) from a gathering etc. 2 get rid of, discard, [perhaps

from French chuquer knock] -n. 1 cut of beef from neck to ribs. 2 device for holding a workpiece or

chuck 2

-u. fix to a chuck, [var. of chock] /'tfAk(a)l/ -v. (-ling) laugh quietly or inwardly, -n. quiet or suppressed laugh, [chuck cluck]

bit.

chuckle

an engine etc.) work with a regular sharp puffing sound, [imitative]

chuffed chuff]

(of

adj.

slang

chug -v.

emit a regular muffled explosive sound, as of an engine running slowly. 2 move with this sound. -n. chugging sound, [imitative] chukka boot n. ankle-high leather (-gg-) 1

boot.

chukker

n. (also chukka) period of play in polo. [Sanskrit cakra wheel]

chum n. colloq. close friend. chum up (-mm-) (often close friend -iest).

foil,

by with) become a

chummy adj.

(of).

(-ier,

chummily adv. chumminess n.

[abbreviation of chamber-fellow] n. 1 colloq. foolish person. 2 thick end of a loin of lamb or mutton (chump chop). 3 short thick block of wood, n off one's chump slang crazy, [blend of chunk, lump 1 ] chunk n. 1 thick piece cut or broken off. 2 2 substantial amount, [var. of chuck ] chunky adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 consisting of or resembling chunks; thick, substanchunkiness tial. 2 small and sturdy.

chump

n.

chunter

v. colloq. mutter, grumble, [probably imitative] chupatty var. of chapatti. church n. 1 building for public Christian worship. 2 public worship (met after church). 3 (Church) a body of all Christians, b clergy or clerical profession, c organized Christian society (the early Church). [Greek kuriakon Lord's

(house)]

churchgoer

n.

person

attending

church regularly.

churchman n. member of the clergy or of a Church.

Church of England

n.

English Prot-

estant Church.

churchwarden n. either of two elected lay representatives of

an Anglican par-

ish.

churchyard

n.

enclosed

ground

around a church used

1

chuff v.

chutney

145

chronically chronic liar). [Greek khronos time]

delighted,

[dial.

churl

n.

1

for burials. ill-bred person. 2 archaic

peasant. [Old English, =

churlish

adj.

surly;

man] mean, n chur-

lishly adv. churlishness n. [from churl] churn -n. 1 large milk-can. 2 buttermaking machine, -v. 1 agitate (milk or cream) in a churn. 2 produce (butter) in a churn. 3 (usu. foil, by up) upset, agitate, d churn out produce in large quantities. [Old English] chute /Ju:t/ n. sloping channel or slide for sending things to a lower level. 1

[Latin cado

chute 2

fall]

/Ju:t/

n.

parachute,

colloq.

[abbreviation]

chutney

/'tjAtni/

n.

(pi.

-s)

condiment of fruits, vinegar, [Hindi]

pungent

spices, etc.

chutzpah chutzpah

shameless

audacity. [Yiddish]

chyle

/kail/ n.

milky

fluid of food mater-

formed

in the intestine after digestion. [Greek khulos juice]

ials

chyme /kaim/ n. partly-digested

acid pulp formed from

[Greek khumos

food.

juice]

CIA

abbr. (in the US) Central Intelli-

gence Agency.

ciao

/tjau/ int. colloq.

1

goodbye. 2 hello.

[Italian]

cicada

/si'ka:da/ n. large transparent-

winged insect making a rhythmic chirping sound. [Latin]

cicatrice /'sikatris/ n. scar left by a wound. [Latin] cicely /'sisali/ n. (pi. -ies) flowering plant related to parsley and chervil. [Greek seselis]

cicerone

/.tjitja'rauni/ n. (pi.

-roni pro-

cinematography art of making tographer n.

/.sinima'tDgrafi/ n. films. cinema-

cinematographic

/-.maeta'graefik/ adj.

cineraria

/.sina'rearia/ n. composite plant with bright flowers and ashcoloured down on its leaves. [Latin cinis ner- ashes] cinnabar /'sma.ba^r)/ n. 1 bright red mercuric sulphide. 2 vermilion. 3 moth with reddish-marked wings. [Latin from Greek] cinnamon /'sinaman/ n. 1 aromatic spice from the bark of a SE Asian tree. 2 this tree. 3 yellowish-brown. [Greek kin-

namon]

cinque

/sink/ n. the five

quinque

on

dice. [Latin

five]

cinquefoil

/'sinkfoil/ n.

1

plant with

compound leaves of five leaflets. 2 Archit. five-cusped ornament in a circle or arch. [Latin: related to ciNQUE,/o/iwm

who guides sightname of a Roman

Cinque Ports rt.pl group of (orig. five)

abbr. Criminal Investigation De-

ports in SE England with ancient privileges. [Latin quinque portus five ports]

nunc. same) person seers. [Latin Cicero,

statesman]

CID

circuit

146

/'xutspa/ n. slang

partment. -cide suffix

cipher 1

person or substance that

kills (regicide; insecticide). 2 killing of

(infanticide). [Latin caedo kill]

cider

n. drink of fermented apple juice. [Hebrew, = strong drink]

cigar

/si'ga:(r)/ n. tight roll of tobaccoleaves for smoking. [French or Spanish]

cigarette

/.siga'ret/

n.

finely-cut

tobacco rolled in paper for smoking. [French diminutive]

cilium

1 minute on the surface of

/'siliam/ n. (pi. cilia)

hairlike structure

many animal cells.

2 eyelash. ciliary = eyelash] cinch n. colloq. 1 sure thing; certainty. 2 easy task. [Spanish cincha saddle-girth] cinchona /sin'kauna/ n. 1 a S. American evergreen tree or shrub, b its bark, containing quinine. 2 drug from this. [Countess of Chinchon] adj. ciliate adj. [Latin,

cincture

/'sirjktj9(r)/ n. literary girdle,

or border. [Latin cingo gird] cinder n. 1 residue of coal or wood etc. after burning. 2 (in pi.) ashes. [Old English sinder = slag] Cinderella /.smda'rela/ n. person or thing of unrecognized or disregarded merit or beauty, [name of a girl in a fairy belt,

tale]

cine- comb, form cinematographic (cinecamera), [abbreviation] cinema /'smama/ n. 1 theatre where films are shown. 2 a films collectively, b art or industry of producing films.

cinematic

leaf]

/-'maetik/

related to kinematic]

adj.

[French:

/'saifa(r)/ (also

cypher)

1

a

secret or disguised writing, b thing so written, c key to it. 2 arithmetical symbol (0) used to occupy a vacant place in decimal etc. numeration. 3 person or thing of no importance, -v. write in cipher. [Arabic sifr] circa /'S3:ka/ prep, (preceding a date) about. [Latin] circadian /s3:'keidian/ adj. Physiol. occurring about once per day. [from circa, Latin dies day] circle /'S3:k(a)l/-n. 1 round plane figure

whose circumference is everywhere equidistant from its centre. 2 circular or roundish enclosure or structure. 3 curved upper tier of seats in a theatre etc. 4 circular route. 5 persons grouped round a centre of interest. 6 set or restricted group (literary circles), -v. (-ling) 1 (often foil, by round, about) move in a circle. 2 a revolve round, b form a circle round. come full circle return to the starting-point. [Latin diminutive: related to circus] circlet /'S3:klit/ n. 1 small circle. 2 circular band, esp. as an ornament. circuit /'S3:kit/ n. 1 line or course enclosing an area; the distance round. 2 a path of an electric current, b apparatus through which a current passes. 3 a judge's itinerary through a district to hold courts, b such a district, c lawyers following a circuit. 4 chain of theatres, cinemas, etc. under a single management. 5 motor-racing track. 6 itinerary or specific sphere of operation (election circuit; cabaret circuit). 7 sequence of

circuit-breaker

147

sporting events or athletic exercises. [Latin: related to circum-, eo it- go] circuit-breaker n. automatic device for interrupting an electric circuit,

circuitous

/S3:'kju:itas/ adj. 1 indirect.

2 going a long

circuitry

way round,

this.

circular /'S3:kjula(r)/ -adj. 1 a having the form of a circle, b moving (roughly) in a circle, finishing at the starting-point (circular walk). 2 (of reasoning) using the point it is trying to prove as evidence for its conclusion, hence invalid. 3 (of a letter etc.) distributed to a number of

people. -n. circular letter, leaflet, etc. p circularity /-'laenti/ n. [Latin: related to circle] circularize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) distribute circulars to.

circular

saw

n.

power saw with a

rapidly rotating toothed disc.

circulate

/'s3:kju,leit/ v. (-ting) 1 be in circulation; spread. 2 a put into circulation, b send circulars to. 3 move about among guests etc. [Latin: related to circle]

circulation /.S3:kju'leij(a)n/ n. 1 movement to and fro, or from and back to a starting-point, esp. that of the blood to the heart. 2 a transmission or distribution, b number of copies sold. in (or out of) circulation active (or not active) socially.

from and

circulatory /^kju'leitan/

adj. of cir-

round,

about.

[Latin]

circumcise

/'S3:kam,saiz/ v. (-sing) cut circumoff the foreskin or clitoris of. cision /-'si3(a)n/ n. [Latin caedo cut]

circumference

/sa'kAmfarans/ n. 1 enclosing boundary, esp. of a circle. circumferential 2 distance round. /-'renj*(a)l/ adj. [Latin fero carry]

circumflex

/'S3:kam,fleks/ n.

(in full

circumflex accent) mark (~) placed over a vowel to show contraction, 1

length, etc. [Latin: related to flex ] circumlocution /,s3:kamla'kju:JXa)n/

n.1a roundabout expression, b evasive circumlocutory

talk. 2 verbosity.

/-'lDkjutan/ adj.

circumnavigate /.ss^am'naevi.geit/ v. (-ting)

sail

round

(esp.

circumspection /-'spekJXa)n/ n. circumspectly adv. [Latin specio spectlook]

the

world).

circumnavigation /-'geij(a)n/ n. /'s3:kam,skraib/ circumscribe

v.

(-bing) 1 (of a line etc.) enclose or outline. 2 lay down the limits of; confine, restrict. 3 Geom. draw (a figure) round another, touching it at points but circumscription not cutting it. /-'sknpj(a)n/ n. [Latin scribo write]

/'s3:kamst(a)ns/

n.

1

occurrence, or condition, esp. (in pi) connected with or influencing an event; (bad) luck (victim of circumstances)). 2 (in pi) one's financial condition. 3 ceremony, fuss. in (or fact,

under) the circumstances the state of affairs being what it is. in (or under) no circumstances not at all; never.

circumstanced adj. [Latin sto stand] circumstantial /,s3:kam'staenJXa)l/ 1 giving full details (circumstantial account). 2 (of evidence etc.) indicating a conclusion by inference from known facts hard to explain otherwise. cir-

adj.

cumstantiality

/-JYaeliti/ n.

circumvent /,s3:kam'vent/ v. 1 evade, find a way round. 2 baffle, outwit. circumvention

n.

[Latin venio vent-

come]

circus /'S3:kas/ n. (pi. -es) 1 travelling show of performing acrobats, clowns, animals,

etc. 2 colloq.

a scene of lively

b group of people in a common activity, esp. sport. 3 open space in a town, where several streets converge. 4 Rom. Antiq. arena for sports and games. [Latin, = ring] action,

cirrhosis

/si'rausis/ n. chronic liver disease, as a result of alcoholism etc.

[Greek kirrhos tawny]

cirrus

culation, esp. of the blood.

circum- comb, form

/'S3:kam,spekt/ adj. cautious; taking everything into account.

circumstance

system equipment forming

/'S3:kitri/ n. (pi. -ies) 1

of electric circuits. 2

cite

circumspect

/'siras/ n. (pi.

cirri

/-rai/) 1

white

wispy cloud at high altitude. 2 tendril or appendage of a plant or animal. [Latin, - curl]

CIS

Commonwealth

abbr.

of Indepen-

dent States. /sis'aelpam/ adj. on the south side of the Alps. [Latin cis- on this side

cisalpine of]

cissy var. of sissy.

Cistercian /si'st3:.f(9)n/ -n. monk or nun of the order founded as a stricter branch of the Benedictines, -adj. of the Cistercians. [French Citeaux in France] /'sist(a)n/ n. 1 tank for storing water. 2 underground reservoir. [Latin cista box, from Greek] cistus /'sistas/ n. shrub with large white or red flowers. [Latin from Greek] citadel /'sitad(a)l/ n. fortress, usu. on high ground, protecting or dominating a

cistern

city.

[French

citation

citadelle)

/sai'teij(a)n/ n.

1

citing; pas-

sage cited. 2 Mil. mention in dispatches. 3 description of reasons for an award. cite v. (-ting) 1 mention as an example etc. 2 quote (a book etc.) in support. 3 Mil. mention in dispatches. 4 summon

citizen appear in court. [Latin cieo set in motion] to

citizen

member

of a State, either native or naturalized. 2 inhabitant of a city. 3 US civilian. citizenry n. citizenship n. [AngloFrench: related to city] citizen's band n. system of local intercommunication by individuals on special radio frequencies. citrate /'sitreit/ n. a salt of citric acid. citric /'sitnk/ adj. derived from citrus /'sitiz(a)n/

n.

1

fruit.

acid

citric

n.

sharp-tasting acid in

citrus fruits.

citron

/'sitran/

n.

1

tree with large

lemon-like fruits. 2 this from Latin citrus]

citronella

fruit.

[French

/.sitra'nela/ n. 1

city-state n. esp. hist, city that with its surrounding territory forms an independent State. civet /"sivit/ n. 1 (in full civet-cat) catlike animal of Central Africa. 2 strong musky perfume obtained from it. [French ultimately from Arabic] civic /'sivik/ adj. 1 of a city. 2 of citizens civically adv. [Latin or citizenship. civis citizen]

civic centre offices etc.

n. 1 area where municipal are situated. 2 the offices

themselves.

civics n.pl. (usu. treated as sing.) the study of the rights and duties of citizenship.

of or belonging to 2 of ordinary citizens; nonmilitary. 3 polite, obliging, not rude. 4 Law concerning private rights and not criminal offences. 5 (of the length of a day, year, etc.) fixed by custom or law, /'siv(a)l/ adj. 1

citizens.

not natural or astronomical.

civilly

adv. [Latin civilis: related to civic] civil defence n. organizing of civilians for protection during wartime attacks. civil disobedience n. refusal to comply with certain laws as a peaceful protest.

engineer n. one who designs or maintains roads, bridges, dams, etc.

civil

civilian

/si'vilian/ -rc. person not in the services or police force, -adj. of or for civilians. civility /si'viliti/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 polite-

armed

ness. 2 act of politeness. [Latin: related to civil]

civilization /,sivilai'zeiJXa)n/ n. (also -isation) 1 advanced stage or system of social development. 2 peoples of the world that are regarded as having this. 3 a people or nation (esp. of the past) regarded as an element of social evolution (Inca civilization). civilize /'sivi.laiz/ v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 bring out of a barbarous or primitive stage of society. 2 enlighten; refine and educate. [French: related to civil]

a fragrant oil. 2 grass from S. Asia yielding it. citrus /'sitras/ n. (pi. -es) 1 tree of a group including the lemon, orange, and grapefruit. 2 (in full citrus fruit) fruit of such a tree. [Latin] city /'siti/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 large town, strictly one created by charter and containing a cathedral. 2 (the City) a part of London governed by the Lord Mayor and Corporation, b business part of this, c commercial circles. [Latin civitas: related to civic]

civil

claim

148

civil liberty n. (often in pi.) freedom of action subject to the law. civil list n. annual allowance voted by Parliament for the royal family's household expenses. civil marriage n. one solemnized without religious ceremony, civil rights n.pl. rights of citizens to

freedom and equality, civil

servant

member

n.

of the civil

service.

civil service

n.

branches of State ad-

ministration, excluding military and branches and elected politi-

judicial cians.

war n. war between citizens of the same country.

civil

civvies

slang civilian

n.pl.

clothes,

[abbreviation]

Civvy Street

n.

slang civilian

life,

[abbreviation] chlorine. cl abbr. centilitre(s). clack -v. 1 make a sharp sound as of boards struck together. 2 chatter, -n. clacking noise or talk, [imitative] clad adj. 1 clothed. 2 provided with cladding, [past part, of clothe] cladding n. covering or coating on a structure or material etc. (usu. cladistics /kla'distiks/ n.pl. treated as sing.) Biol, method of classifying animals and plants on the basis of shared characteristics. [Greek klados

CI symb.

branch]

claim -v. 1 state, declare, assert. demand as one's due or property.

2 3

represent oneself as having or achieving (claim victory). 4 (foil, by to + infin.) profess. 5 have as an achievement or

consequence

(fire

claimed two victims).

6 (of a thing) deserve (attention etc.). -n. 1 demand or request for a thing considered one's due (lay claim to; put in a claim). 2 (foil, by to, on) right or title to a

claimant

claimant esp. in benefit.

n.

thing claimed.

person making a claim, or claiming State

a lawsuit,

clairvoyance

/klea'voians,

n.

sup-

posed faculty of perceiving the future or things beyond normal sensory percep-

clairvoyant n. & adj. [French: related to clear, voir see] -n. edible bivalve mollusc, -v. (-mm-) (foil, by up) colloq. refuse to talk, [related to clamp ] clamber -v. climb laboriously using hands and feet. -n. difficult climb, [from climb] tion.

clam

1

clammy

'klaemi/

adj.

(-ier,

-iest)

damp and sticky. clamclamminess n. [clam to

unpleasantly

mily

adv.

daub] 'klaema(r)/

(US clamor) -n.

1

loud or vehement shouting or noise. 2 protest, demand, —v. 1 make a clamour. 2 utter with a clamour, z clamorous adj. [Latin: related to claim] clamp -n. 1 device, esp. a brace or band of iron etc., for strengthening or holding things together. 2 device for immobilizing an illegally parked vehicle, —v. 1 strengthen or fasten with a clamp; fix firmly. 2 immobilize (a vehicle) with a clamp. clamp down (usu. foil, by on) become stricter (about); suppress. [Low German or Dutch] clamp 2 n. potatoes etc. stored under straw or earth. [Dutch: related to 1

clamp-down

n.

sudden policy of sup-

pression. 1 group of people with a common ancestor, esp. in the Scottish Highlands. 2 large family as a social group. 3 group with a strong common interest. [Gaelic] clandestine klaen'destm adj. surrep-

clan n.

titious, secret. [Latin]

clang -n. loud resonant metallic sound. -v. (cause to) make a clang, [imitative: Latin clango resound]

clanger n. slang mistake, blunder. clangour ,"klaenga(r) n. (US clangor) clangorous adj. prolonged clanging. clank -n. sound as of metal on metal. —v. (cause to) make a clank, [imitative] clannish adj. often derog. (of a family or group) associating closely with each other; inward-looking.

clansman n.

(fern,

clanswoman)

mem

ber or fellow-member of a clan. -v. (-pp-) 1 a strike the palms of one's hands together, esp. repeatedly as applause, b strike (the hands) together in this way. 2 applaud thus. 3 put or place quickly or with determination (clapped him in prison: clap a tax on 1

sound machinery.

claptrap talk,

n.

insincere or pretentious

nonsense.

claque

klsek

n.

group of people hired

applaud. [French]

claret 'klaerat n. 1 red wine. esp. from Bordeaux. 2 purplish-red. [French: related to clarify]

clarify or

klaen.fai v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make clearer. 2 a free (liquid etc.)

become

from impurities, b make transparent, z clarification -fi'keij(a)n

n.

[Latin:

related to clear]

clarinet

.klaen'net

n.

woodwind

instrument with a single reed, z clarinettist n. (US clarinetist). [French diminutive of clarine, a kind of bell] clarion 'klaenan n. 1 clear rousing sound. 2 hist, shrill war-trumpet. [Latin: related to clear]

clarity

'klaeriti

n.

clearness.

a loud jarring sound as of metal objects struck together, b collision. 2 a conflict, b discord of colours etc. -v. 1 (cause to) make a clashing sound. 2 collide; coincide awkwardly. 3 (often foil, by with) a come into conflict or be at variance, b (of colours) be discordant, [imitative] device with -n. 1 kla:sp clasp interlocking parts for fastening. 2 a embrace, b grasp, handshake. 3 bar on a medal-ribbon, - v. 1 fasten with or as with a clasp. 2 a grasp, hold closely, b embrace. [Old English] clasp-knife n. folding knife, usu. with a catch to hold the blade open. class /kla.s/ -n. 1 any set of persons or things grouped together, or graded or differentiated from others esp. by qual-

clash -n.

CLUMP]

clap

whisky). 4 (foil, by on) give a friendlv slap (clapped him on the back).-n. 1 act of clapping, esp. as applause. 2 explosive sound, esp. of thunder. 3 slap. pat. z clap eyes on colloq. see. [Old English] clap 2 n. coarse slang venereal disease, esp. gonorrhoea. [French] clapped out adj. slang worn out; exhausted. clapper n. tongue or striker of a bell. Like the clappers slang very fast or hard. clapperboard n. device in film-making of hinged boards struck together to synchronize the starting of picture and

to

clamour

cf.

class

149

thing. 3 assertion. 4 [Latin clamo call out]

1

(first class: economy class). 2 division or order of society (upper class). 3 colloq. distinction, high quality. 4 a group of students taught together, b occasion when they meet, c their course of instruction. 5 division of candidates by merit in an examination. 6 Biol, next grouping of organisms below a division or phylum, -v. assign to a class or

ity

class-conscious

class-consciousness n. classic /'klaesik/ -adj. 1 first-class; of lasting value and importance. 2 very typical (a classic case). 3 a of ancient Greek and Latin literature, art, etc. b (of style) simple, harmonious. 4 famous because long-established, -n. 1 classic writer, artist, work, or example. 2 (in pi.) ancient Greek and Latin. [Latin classicus: related to class]

classical

Roman

adj.

1

a of ancient Greek or

literature or art. b (of a lan-

guage) having the form used by ancient standard authors. 2 (of music) serious or conventional, or of the period from c. 1750-1800. 3 restrained in style. classicality /-'kaeliti/ n. classically adv.

classicism

/'klaesi,siz(a)m/ n.

1

follow-

ing of a classic style. 2 classical scholarship. 3 ancient Greek or Latin idiom. classicist n.

classify /'klaesi.fai/ v. (-ies, -ied) 1 a arrange in classes or categories, b assign to a class or category. 2 designate as officially secret or not for general disclassifiable adj. classiclosure.

fication

/-fi

keij(a)n/ n. classificatory

/-'keitan/ adj. [French: related to class]

classmate

person in the same class

n.

at school.

classroom students

classy

is

n.

room where a

class of

taught.

adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. superior,

stylish. classily adv. classiness n. clatter -n. sound as of hard objects

struck together, -v. (cause

to)

make

a

clatter. [Old English]

clause

Gram, part of a sentence, including a subject and predicate. /kLo:z/ n. 1

2 single statement in a treaty, law, clausal adj. [Latin claucontract, etc. sula: related to close]

Clause 28

clear

150

category, in a class of (or on) its (or one's) own unequalled. classless adj. [Latin classis assembly] class-conscious adj. aware of social divisions or one's place in them.

clause in the Local Government Bill (and later Act) banning local authorities from promoting n.

homosexuality.

holding, etc. -v. scratch, maul, or pull with claws or fingernails. [Old English] claw back v. regain laboriously or gradually.

claw-hammer nails.

clay n. making

ab-

1 stiff sticky earth, used for bricks, pottery, etc. 2 poet, sub-

stance of the human body. [Old English]

claymore

clayey adj.

/'kleimo:(r)/ n. hist. Scottish

two-edged broadsword. [Gaelic, = great sword] clay pigeon n. breakable disc thrown up from a trap as a target for shooting. clean —adj. 1 free from dirt or impurities, unsoiled. 2 clear; unused; pristine {clean air, clean page). 3 not obscene or indecent. 4 attentive to personal hygiene and cleanliness. 5 complete, clearcut. 6 showing no record of crime, disease, etc. 7 fair (a clean fight). 8 streamlined; well-formed. 9 adroit, skilful. 10 (of a nuclear weapon) producing relatively little fallout, -adv. 1 completely, outright, simply. 2 in a clean manner. —v. make or become clean, —n. act or clean out 1 clean process of cleaning. thoroughly. 2 slang empty or deprive (esp. of money), clean up 1 a clear away (a mess), b (also absol.) put (things) tidy, c make (oneself) clean. 2 restore order or morality to. 3 slang acquire as or make a profit, come clean colloq. confess fully, make a clean breast of see breast. [Old English] clean bill of health n. declaration that there is no disease or defect. clean-cut adj. 1 sharply outlined or defined. 2 (of a person) clean and tidy. cleaner n. 1 person employed to clean rooms etc. 2 establishment for cleaning clothes etc. 3 device or substance for cleaning. take a person to the cleaners slang 1 defraud or rob a person. 2 criticize severely. 1 adv. in a clean way.

cleanly cleanly 2

clean;

cleanliness pure.

adj.

/'klenli/

habitually

cleanse

claustrophobia /.kloistra'faubia/ n.

n. hammer with one head forked for extracting

side of the

/klenz/

(-ier,

-iest)

with clean habits.

n. p.

cleanser

(-sing)

make clean or

n.

normal fear of confined places, p claustrophobic adj. [Latin claustrum clois-

clean-shaven

ter, -phobia]

clean sheet n. (also clean slate) freedom from commitments or imputations;

clavichord

small key-

/'klaevi,ko:d/ n.

board instrument with a very

soft tone,

[medieval Latin: related to clavicle]

clavicle

/'klaevik(a)l/

n.

collar-bone.

[Latin clavis key]

claw -n.

1 a pointed nail on an animal's b foot armed with claws. 2 pincers of a shellfish. 3 device for grappling,

foot,

adj.

without beard or

moustache.

removal of these from one's record.

clean-up

did of cleaning up. free from dirt or contamination. 2 (of weather, the sky, etc.) not dull. 3 transparent. 4 a easily perceived; distinct; evident (a clear voice; it is clear that), b easily understood. 5 discerning n.

clear -adj.

1

clearance readily and accurately (clear mind). 6 confident, convinced. 7 (of a conscience) free from guilt. 8 (of a road etc.) unobstructed. 9 a net, without deduction, b complete (three clear days). 10 (often

by of) free, unhampered; unencumbered, -adv. 1 clearly. 2 completely (got clear away). 3 apart, out of contact foil,

(keep clear). -v. 2 (often

foil,

by

1

make or become clear. make or become free

of)

from obstruction

show

etc. 3 (often foil,

by

of)

person) to be innocent. 4 apetc.) for a special duty, access, etc. 5 pass over or by, safely or without touching. 6 make (an amount of money) as a net gain or to balance expenses. 7 pass (a cheque) through a clearing-house. 8 pass through (customs etc.). 9 disappear (mist cleared). clear the air remove suspicion, tension, etc. clear away 1 remove (esp. dishes etc.). 2 disappear, clear the decks prepare for action, clear off colloq. go away, clear out 1 empty, tidy by emptying. 2 remove. 3 colloq. go away, clear up 1 tidy up. 2 solve. 3 (of weather) become fine. 4 disappear (acne has cleared up), clear a thing with get approval or authorization for it from (a person), in the clear free from suspicion or difficulty, z clearly adj. clear(a

prove (a person

:

ness

n.

[Latin clams]

clearance

n. 1 removal of obstructions space allowed for the passing of two objects or parts in machinery etc. 3 special authorization. 4 a clearing by customs, b certificate showing this. 5 clearing of cheques. 6 clearing out. clear-cut adj. sharply defined. clear-headed adj. thinking clearly,

etc. 2

sensible.

clearing clearing

member

n.

open area in a forest. n. bank which

bank

cleavage 'kli:vid3 a woman's breasts.

a

clearing-house n. 1 bankers' establishment where cheques and bills are exchanged, only the balances being paid in cash. 2 agency for collecting and distributing information etc. clear-out n. tidying by emptying and

n. 1

hollow between

2 division, splitting. 3 line along which rocks etc. split. v. (-ving, past clove or cleft or cleaved; past part, cloven or cleft or cleaved) literary 1 chop or break apart; split, esp. along the grain or line of cleavage. 2 make one's way through (air or water). [Old English] cleave 2 v. (-ving) (foil, by to) literary' stick fast; adhere. [Old English]

cleave

1

cleaver

butcher's heavy chopping

n.

tool.

clef n. Mus. symbol indicating the pitch of notes on a staff. [Latin clavis key] cleft

1

adj.

part, of

cleft

2

split,

n.

partly divided, [past

split,

CLEAVE

1

]

fissure.

related to cleave

cleft lip

n.

[Old English:

1

]

congenital cleft in the upper

lip.

cleft palate n. congenital split in the roof of the mouth. clematis 'klematis/ n. climbing plant with white, pink, or purple flowers. [Greek] clement 'klemant' adj. 1 (of weather)

clemency n. [Latin mild. 2 merciful, clemens] 'kleman.tiin/ n. small tangerine-like citrus fruit. [French] clench —v. 1 close (the teeth, fingers, etc.) tightly. 2 grasp firmly, -n. clenching action; clenched state. [Old English] clerestory /'klia.stoiri/ n. (pi. -ies) upper row of windows in a cathedral or large church, above the level of the aisle

Clementine

roofs, [clear storey]

clergy

/'kl3:d3i/ n. (pi. -ies) (usu. treated those ordained for religious duties. [French (related to cleric) and

as pi.)

Church is

of a clearing-house.

Latin]

clergyman

n.

member

of the clergy.

cleric /'klerik/ n. member of the clergy. [Greek klerikos from kleros lot, heritage]

clerical adj. 1 of clergy or clergymen. 2 of or done by clerks, clerical collar n. stiff upright white collar fastening at the back, n. short comic 'klen.hju: biographical verse in two rhyming couplets. [E. Clerihew Bentley, name of

clerihew

sorting.

clear-sighted

clever

151

adj. seeing, thinking, or

understanding clearly,

clear-up

n. 1 tidying up. 2 (usu. attrib.) solving of crimes (clear-up rates). clearway n. main road (other than a motorway) on which vehicles may not

normally stop. cleat n. 1 piece of metal, wood, etc., bolted on for fastening ropes to, or to strengthen woodwork etc. 2 projecting piece on a spar, gangway, etc. to prevent slipping. [Old English]

its

inventor]

clerk

/kla:k/ -n.

1

person employed to

etc. 2 secretary or agent of a local council, court, etc. 3 lay officer of a church, -v. work as clerk. [Old English and French: related to cleric]

keep records

clever /'klev9(r)/ adj.

(-er, -est) 1 skilful,

talented; quick to understand and learn. clev2 adroit, dexterous. 3 ingenious, erly adv. cleverness n. [Old English]

cliche 1

hackneyed phrase or

opinion. 2 metal casting of a stereotype or electrotype. cliched adj. (also cliche'd). [French] click -n. slight sharp sound. -t>. 1 (cause to) make a click. 2 colloq. a become clear or understood, b be popular, c (foil, by with) strike up a rapport, [imitative]

client

/'klaiant/ n. 1 person using the services of a lawyer, architect, or other professional person. 2 customer. [Latin

c liens]

clientele

/,kli:on'tel/ n. 1 clients collect-

customers. [French and Latin:

ively. 2

related to client] cliff n. steep rock-face, esp. on a coast. [Old English] cliff-hanger n. story etc. with a strong element of suspense, climacteric /klai'maektarik/ n. period of life when fertility and sexual activity are in decline. [Greek: related to

climax]

climate

/'klaimit/

n.

1

prevailing

weather conditions of an area. 2 region with particular weather conditions. 3 prevailing trend of opinion or feeling.

climatic

climatically [Greek klima] /'klaimaeks/ -n. 1 event or point /-'maetik/ adj.

/-^maetikali/ adv.

climax

of greatest intensity or interest; culmination. 2 orgasm, -y. colloq. reach climactic or bring to a climax. /-'maektik/ adj. [Greek, = ladder] climb /klaim/ -v. 1 (often foil, by up) ascend, mount, go or come up. 2 grow up a wall etc. by clinging or twining. 3 progress, esp. in social rank. -rc. 1 ascent by climbing. 2 hill etc. climbed or to

be climbed, b climb down 1 descend, using hands. 2 withdraw from a stance taken up in an argument etc.

esp.

climber

n.

climb-down

[Old English] n.

withdrawal from a

stance taken up.

climbing-frame

structure of joined children to climb on. clime n. literary 1 region. 2 climate. [Latin: related to climate] clinch -v. 1 confirm or settle (an argument, bargain, etc.) conclusively. 2 (of boxers etc.) become too closely engaged. 3 secure (a nail or rivet) by driving the point sideways when through, -n. 1 a clinching action, b clinched state. 2 colloq. embrace, [var. of clench] clincher n. colloq. point or remark that

bars

Cllr.

152

cliche /'kli:Jei/ n.

n.

etc. for

an argument etc. cling v. (past and past part, clung) 1 (often foil, by to) adhere. 2 (foil, by to) be settles

unwilling to give up; be emotionally

dependent on (a habit, idea, friend, etc.). 3 (often foil, by to) maintain grasp; keep

hold; resist separation. (ier, -iest). [Old English]

clingy

adj.

cling film

n. thin transparent plastic covering for food. clinic /'khnik/ n. 1 private or specialized hospital. 2 place or occasion for giving medical treatment or specialist advice. 3 gathering at a hospital bedside for medical teaching. [Greek Kline bed] clinical adj. 1 of or for the treatment of

patients. 2 dispassionate, coolly detached. 3 (of a room, building, etc.) bare, functional. clinically adv. [Greek: related to clinic]

clinical death

n. death judged by professional observation of a person's con-

dition.

clink

1

-n. (cause to)

sharp ringing sound, -u.

make

a clink. [Dutch: imit-

ative] 2

clink n. slang prison, [origin unknown] clinker n. 1 mass of slag or lava. 2 stony residue from burnt coal. [Dutch: related to

CLINK 1 ]

clinker-built

adj. (of a boat)

having

external planks overlapping downwards and secured with clinched nails. [clink, Northern English var. of clinch]

clip

1

-n. 1 device for holding things together or for attaching something. 2 piece of jewellery fastened by a clip. 3 set of attached cartridges for a firearm. -v. (-pp-) fix with a clip. [Old English] clip 2 -y. (-pp-) 1 cut (hair, wool, etc.) short with shears or scissors. 2 trim or remove the hair or wool of. 3 colloq. hit smartly. 4 a omit (a letter etc.) from a word, b omit letters or syllables of (words uttered). 5 punch a hole in (a ticket) to show it has been used. 6 cut from a newspaper etc. 7 slang swindle, rob. -n. 1 act of clipping. 2 colloq. smart blow. 3 sequence from a motion picture. 4 yield of wool etc. 5 colloq. speed, esp. rapid. [Old Norse] clipboard n. small board with a spring clip for holding papers etc. clip-joint n. slang club etc. charging exorbitant prices. clip-on adj. attached by a clip.

clipper

n. 1 (usu. in pi) instrument for clipping hair etc. 2 hist, fast sailing-

ship.

clipping

n.

piece clipped, esp. from a

newspaper.

clique

/kli:k/ n.

small exclusive group

cliquey adj. (cliquier, of people. cliquiest). cliquish adj. [French] clitoris /'klitans/ n. small erectile part of the female genitals at the upper end of clitoral adj. [Latin from the vulva. Greek] Cllr. abbr. Councillor.

cloak outdoor usu. long and sleeveless over-garment. 2 covering {cloak of snow), -v. 1 cover with a cloak. under the cloak 2 conceal, disguise. of using as pretext, [ultimately from medieval Latin clocca bell] involving cloak-and-dagger adj. 1

and espionage,

intrigue

cloakroom

n.

room where outdoor

1

or luggage may be left. 2 euphem. lavatory. clobber v. slang 1 hit; beat up. 2 defeat. clothes

1

3 criticize severely, [origin unknown] clobber2 n. slang clothing, belongings. [origin unknown]

cloche

/kk)J7 n. 1 small translucent cover for protecting outdoor plants. 2 (in full cloche hat) woman's closefitting bell-shaped hat. [French, = bell, medieval Latin clocca] clock -n. 1 instrument for measuring and showing time. 2 a measuring device resembling this, b colloq. speedometer, taximeter, or stopwatch. 3 slang person's face. 4 seed-head of the dandelion. -v. 1 colloq. a (often foil, by up) attain or register (a stated time, distance, or speed), b time (a race) with a stopwatch. clock in (or on) register 2 slang hit. one's arrival at work, clock off (or out) register one's departure from work, round the clock all day and (usu.) night, [medieval Latin clocca bell] clock 2 n. ornamental pattern on the side of a stocking or sock near the ankle, 1

[origin unknown] clockwise adj. & adv.

in a curve corresponding in direction to that of the hands

of a clock. n. 1

mechanism

like that of spring and gears. 2

a clock, with a (attrib.) driven by clockwork, z like clockwork smoothly, regularly, automatically. n.

lump

of earth, clay, etc. [var. of

clot]

cloddish

adj. loutish, foolish,

clumsy,

clodhopper n.

(usu. in pi) colloq. large heavy shoe. clog -n. shoe with a thick wooden sole. -v. (-gg-) 1 (often foil, by up) obstruct or become obstructed; choke. 2 impede, [origin

unknown]

1 covered walk round a quadrangle, esp. in a college or ecclesiastical building. 2 monastic life or cloistered seclusion, -v. seclude. adj. cloistral adj. [Latin claustrum: 2 related to close ]

cloister -n.

clomp var.

of clump v. 2. a group of organisms produced asexually from one stock or an-

clone -n.

1

one such organism. 2 colloq. person or thing regarded as identical to

cestor, b

another, -v. (-ning) propagate as a clone, z clonal adj. [Greek klon twig] clonk -n. abrupt heavy sound of impact, -u. 1 make this sound. 2 colloq. hit. [imitative]

close

1

klaus/ -adj. 1 (often foil, by to) situated at a short distance or interval. 2 a having a strong or immediate relation or connection (close friend), b in intimate friendship or association, c corresponding almost exactly (close resemblance). 3 in or almost in contact (close combat). 4 dense, compact, with no or only slight intervals. 5 (of a contest etc.) in which competitors are almost equal. 6 leaving no gaps or weaknesses, rigorous (close reasoning). 7 concentrated, searching. 8 (of air etc.) stuffy, humid. 9 closed, shut. 10 limited to certain persons etc. (close corporation). 11 hidden, secret; secretive. 12 niggardly, -adv. at only a short distance or interval, -n. 1 street closed at one end. 2 precinct of a at close quarters very cathedral, close together, z closely adv. closeness n. [Latin clausus from claudo shut] close 2 ,/klauz/ -v. (-sing) 1 a shut, b block up. 2 bring or come to an end. 3 end the day's business. 4 bring or come closer or into contact. 5 make (an electric circuit etc.) continuous, -n. conclusion, end. z close down (of a shop etc.) discontinue business, close in 1 enclose. 2 come nearer. 3 (of days) get successively shorter, close up 1 (often foil, by to) move closer. 2 shut. 3 block up. 4 (of an aperture) grow smaller. [Latin: related to close ] closed book n. subject one does not 1

clockwork

clod

close-up

153

cloak -n.

understand.

closed-circuit adj. (of television) transmitted by wires to a restricted set of receivers.

closed shop n. business etc. where employees must belong to a specified trade union.

close

harmony

n.

harmony

in

which

the notes of a chord are close together, close-knit adj. tightly interlocked; closely united in friendship, close season n. season when the killing of

game

etc. is illegal,

close shave n. (also close thing) colloq. narrow escape. closet "klozit -n. 1 small room. 2 cupboard. 3 = water-closet. 4 (attrib.) secret (closet homosexual), -v. (-t-) shut away. esp. in private conference or study. [French diminutive: related to

close2 ]

close-up

n.

close range.

photograph

etc.

taken at

closure state. 3

1

closing. 2 closed

procedure for ending a debate

and taking a

vote. [Latin: related to

2

CLOSE ] clot -n.

thick mass of coagulated liquid etc., esp. of blood. 2 colloq. foolish person, -i;. (-tt-) form into clots. [Old English] cloth n. 1 woven or felted material. 2 piece of this, esp. for a particular purpose; tablecloth, dishcloth, etc. 3 fabric for clothes. 4 a status, esp. of the clergy, as shown by clothes, b (prec. by the) the clergy. [Old English] 1

clothe

/klauo/ v. (-thing; past and past clothed or formal clad) 1 put clothes on; provide with clothes. 2 cover as with clothes. [Old English] clothes /klauoz/ n.pl. 1 garments worn to cover the body and limbs. 2 bedclothes. [Old English] clothes-horse n. frame for airing part,

washed

clothes.

clothes-line

rope

n.

etc.

clothes are hung to dry. clothes-peg n. clip etc.

on which

for securing

clothes to a clothes-line,

clothier

/'klauoia(r)/ n. seller of

men's

clothes.

clothing

/'klaudin/ n. clothes collect-

ively.

clotted cream n. thick cream obtained by slow scalding. cloud -n. 1 visible mass of condensed watery vapour floating high above the ground. 2 mass of smoke or dust. 3

(foil,

of) mass of insects etc. moving together. 4 state of gloom, trouble, or suspicion, -v. cover or darken with clouds or gloom or trouble. 2 (often foil,

by

"\

become overcast or gloomy. 3 make unclear, n on cloud nine colloq. extremely happy, under a cloud out of favour, under suspicion, with one's head in the clouds day-dreaming. by

over, up)

cloudless

adj. [Old English]

cloudburst

n.

sudden violent

clove

1

dried bud of a tropical plant used as a spice. [Latin clavus nail (from its shape)] clove 2 n. small segment of a compound bulb, esp. of garlic. [Old English: related to

n.

CLEAVE

1

]

clove 3 past of cleave clove hitch n. knot by which a rope 1

,

secured to a spar

etc. [clove,

is

old past

1

part, of CLEAVE ] /'kl9uv(a)n/ adj. split, partly divided, [past part, of cleave 1 ] cloven hoof n. (also cloven foot) divided hoof, esp. of oxen, sheep, or goats, or of the Devil. clover n. trefoil fodder plant. in clover in ease and luxury. [Old English] clown -n. 1 comic entertainer, esp. in a circus. 2 foolish or playful person, -v. (often foil, by about, around) behave like a clown, [origin uncertain] cloy v. satiate or sicken with sweetness, richness, etc. [obsolete acloy from Anglo-French: related to enclave] club -rc. 1 heavy stick with a thick end, esp. as a weapon. 2 stick with a head used in golf. 3 association of persons meeting periodically for a shared activity. 4 organization or premises offering members social amenities, meals, temporary residence, etc. 5 a playingcard of the suit denoted by a black trefoil, b (in pi) this suit. 6 commercial subscribers organization offering special deals {book club), -v. (-bb-) 1 beat with or as with a club. 2 (foil, by together, with) combine, esp. to raise a sum of money for a purpose. [Old Norse] clubbable adj. sociable; fit for club

cloven

membership.

club class etc.

n.

class of fare

on an aircraft

designed for business travellers.

club-foot

n.

congenitally

deformed

foot.

clubhouse

n.

premises of a (usu. sport-

ing) club. rain-

clubland n. area where there are many nightclubs.

storm.

cloud chamber vapour charged

clue

154

closure /'klau3a(r)/ n.

device containing tracking the paths of n.

for particles, X-rays,

and gamma

rays.

cloud-cuckoo-land

n.

fanciful

or

ideal place, [translation of Greek Nephelokokkugia in Aristophanes' Birds] cloudy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of the sky, weather) covered with clouds, overcast. cloudily 2 not transparent; unclear. adv. cloudiness n. clout -n. 1 heavy blow. 2 colloq. influence, power of effective action. 3 dial, piece of cloth or clothing, -u. hit

hard. [Old English]

n. disease of cabbages etc. with swelling at the base of the stem, club sandwich n. sandwich with two

club-root

layers of filling between three slices of toast or bread. cluck -n. guttural cry like that of a hen. -v. emit cluck(s). [imitative] /klu:/ -n. 1 fact or idea that serves as a guide, or suggests a line of inquiry, in a problem or investigation. 2 piece of evidence etc. in the detection of a crime. 3 verbal formula as a hint to what is to be inserted in a crossword, -v. (clues,

clue

clued, cluing or clueing) provide a clue in (or up) slang inform. clue to.

clueless be ignorant or incompetent, [var. of Old English clew]

clueless

colloq.

(foil,

by

esp. of trees, -v.

1

cluster or mass, a form a clump, b

of)

heap or plant together. 2 (also clomp) walk with a heavy tread. [Low German or Dutch]

clumsy /'klAmzi/ adj.

(-ier, -iest) 1

awk-

ward in movement or shape; ungainly. difficult to

handle or use. 3

clumsily adv. clumsiness

2

tactless. n.

[obsolete

clumse be numb with cold] clung past and past part, of cling.

clunk

-n. dull sound as of thick pieces of metal meeting. —v. make such a

sound, [imitative] cluster -n. close group or bunch of similar people or things growing or occurring together, -v. 1 bring into, come into, or be in cluster(s). 2 (foil, by round, around) gather. [Old English] clutch -v. 1 seize eagerly; grasp tightly. 2 (foil, by at) try desperately to seize, -n. 1 tight grasp. 2 (in pi.) grasping hands; cruel or relentless grasp or control. 3 a (in a vehicle) device for connecting and disconnecting the engine and the transmission, b pedal operating this. [Old English] clutch 2 n. 1 set of eggs for hatching. 2 brood of chickens. [Old Norse, = hatch] clutch bag n. slim flat handbag without handles. clutter -rc. 1 crowded and untidy collection of things. 2 untidy state, —v. (often foil, by up, with) crowd untidily, fill with clutter, [related to clot] symb. curium. 1

Cm cm abbr. centimetre(s). CMG abbr. Companion (of the Order) of St

Michael and St George.

CND

abbr.

Campaign

for

Nuclear Dis-

armament.

CO abbr.

Commanding

Co symb.

cobalt.

Officer.

Co. abbr.

1 company. 2 county. CO- prefix added to: 1 nouns, with the sense 'joint, mutual, common' (coauthor; coequality). 2 adjectives and adverbs, with the sense 'jointly, mutually' (coequal). 3 verbs, with the sense 'together with another or others'

(cooperate), [var. of com-]

c/o abbr. care

coach -rc.

of.

single-decker bus, usu. comfortably equipped for long journeys. 2 railway carriage. 3 closed horse-drawn carriage. 4 a instructor or trainer in a sport, b private tutor, -v. train or teach as a coach. [French from Magyar] coachload n. group of tourists etc. taken by coach. 1

coachman

driver of a horse-drawn

n.

carriage.

coachwork

adj. colloq. ignorant, stupid.

clump -n.

coastguard

155

not have a clue

bodywork

n.

of a road or

rail vehicle.

coagulate

/kau'aegju.leit/

v.

(-ting)

1

change from a fluid to a semisolid. 2 clot, curdle. coagulant n. coagulation /-'leij(a)n/ n. [Latin coagulum rennet] coal n. 1 hard black rock, mainly carbonized plant matter, found underground and used as a fuel. 2 piece of this, esp. one that is burning. coals to Newcastle something brought to a place where it is already plentiful, haul (or call) over the coals reprimand. [Old English]

coalesce

/.kaua'les/

(-cing)

v.

together and form a whole.

cence

n.

coalescent

adj.

come

coales[Latin alo

nourish]

coalface

n. exposed working surface of coal in a mine. coalfield n. extensive area yielding

coal.

gas n. mixed gases formerly extracted from coal and used for lighting and heating.

coal

coalition

,

/,kaua lij(9)n/ n. 1 temporary alliance, esp. of political parties. 2 fusion into one whole, [medieval Latin: related to coalesce] coalman n. man who carries or delivers coal. coalmine n. mine in which coal is dug.

coalminer

n.

coal-scuttle n. container for coal for a domestic fire. coal tar n. thick black oily liquid distilled from coal and used as a source of benzene. coal-tit n. small greyish bird with a black head. coaming /'kaumirj/ n. raised border round a ship's hatches etc. to keep out water, [origin unknown] coarse adj. 1 rough or loose in texture; made of large particles. 2 lacking refinecoarsely adv. ment; crude, obscene.

coarseness

coarse fish

n.

[origin

n.

unknown]

freshwater fish other

than salmon and trout. v. make or become coarse. coast -n. border of land near the sea; seashore. -v. 1 ride or move, usu. down-

coarsen

hill, without the use of power. 2 make progress without much effort. 3 sail the coast is clear along the coast. there is no danger of being observed or coastal adj. [Latin costa side] caught, coaster n. 1 ship that travels along the coast. 2 small tray or mat for a bottle or

glass.

coastguard

n. 1

member

people employed

to

of a group of keep watch on

coastline coasts to save life, prevent smuggling, etc. 2 such a group. coastline n. line of the seashore, esp. with regard to its shape. coat -n. 1 outer garment with sleeves, usu. extending below the hips; overcoat or jacket. 2 animal's fur or hair. 3 covering of paint etc. laid on a surface at one time. -v. 1 (usu. foil, by with, in) cover with a coat or layer. 2 (of paint etc.) form a covering to. [French from

Germanic]

coat-hanger see hanger 2. coating n. 1 layer of paint etc.

arms

n.

heraldic bearings or person, family, or

n.

jacket covered with

shield of a corporation.

coat of mail mail.

coat-tail n. each of the flaps formed by the back of a tailcoat. coax v. 1 persuade gradually or by flattery. 2 (foil, by out of) obtain (a thing from a person) thus. 3 manipulate (a thing) carefully or slowly, cokes a fooll

coaxial

/kau'aeksial/ adj.

common

1

cobwebby

this.

spider] /'kauka/ n. its dried leaves,

coca

adj. [obsolete

coppe

American shrub. 2 chewed as a stimulant. [Spanish from Quechua] cocaine /kau'kem/ n. drug from coca, used as a local anaesthetic and as a stimulant.

coccyx

1 S.

/'koksiks/

n.

(pi.

coccyges

small triangular bone at the base of the spinal column. [Greek, = cuckoo (from shape of its bill)] /-,d3i:z/)

cochineal 2 mater-

ial for coats.

coat of

cockle

156

[obsolete

having a

axis. 2 Electr. (of a cable or

by means of two concentric conductors separated by an

line) transmitting

insulator.

/.kDtJYnirl/ n. 1 scarlet dye used esp. for colouring food. 2 insects

whose dried bodies yield this. [Latin coccinus scarlet, from Greek] cock 1 -n. 1 male bird, esp. of the domestic fowl. 2 slang (as a form of address) friend; fellow. 3 coarse slang penis. 4 slang nonsense. 5 a firing lever in a gun, raised to be released by the trigger, b cocked position of this. 6 tap or valve controlling flow. — v. 1 raise or make upright or erect. 2 turn or move (the eye or ear) attentively or knowingly. 3 set aslant; turn up the brim of (a hat). 4 raise the cock of (a gun). at half cock only partly ready, cock a snook 1 see snook cock up slang bungle; make a mess of. [Old English and French] cock 2 n. conical heap of hay or straw, [perhaps from Scandinavian] ,

n. 1 roundish lump. 2 domed loaf. 3 = corn-cob. 4 large hazelnut. 5 sturdy riding-horse with short legs. 6 male

cockade /kn'keid/ n.

swan, [origin unknown]

cock-a-doodle-doo n. cock's crow, cock-a-hoop adj. exultant, cock-a-leekie n. Scottish soup of boiling fowl and leeks. cock-and-bull story n. absurd or

cob

cobalt

/'kaubo:lt/

n.

silvery-white

1

metallic element. 2 a pigment made from this, b its deep-blue colour. [German, probably = Kobold demon in

mines]

rosette etc.

worn in

the hat as a badge. [French: related to

COCK

1 ]

incredible account.

cobber

n.

Austral.

& NZ

colloq.

com-

panion, friend, [origin uncertain] cobble /'kDb(a)l/ -n. (in full cobblestone) small rounded stone used for paving, -v. (-ling) pave with cobbles, [from cob] cobble 2 /'kDb(a)l/ v. (-ling) 1 mend or patch up (esp. shoes). 2 (often foil, by together) join or assemble roughly, [from cobbler] cobbler n. 1 person who mends shoes professionally. 2 stewed fruit or meat topped with scones. 3 (in pi.) slang nonsense, [origin unknown] 1

COBOL /'kaubol/ n. computer language for use in

commerce, [common business

oriented /anguage]

cobra

/'kaubra/ n. venomous hooded snake of Africa and Asia. [Latin colubra

snake]

cobweb

n. 1 fine network spun by a spider from liquid it secretes. 2 thread of

cockatoo

/.kDka'tu:/ n. crested parrot.

[Dutch from Malay]

cockchafer

/'kDk.tJeifa(r)/

n.

large

pale-brown beetle, [from cock 1 ]

cock crow n. dawn. cocker n. (in full cocker spaniel) small spaniel with a silky coat, [related to

COCK

1

]

cockerel

/'kDkar(a)l/

[diminutive of cock

cock-eyed

adj.

n.

young cock.

1

]

colloq.

1

crooked,

askew. 2 absurd, not practical, [from 1

cock ] cock-fight

n.

fight

between cocks as

sport.

cockle

1 a edible bivalve b its shell. 2 (in full cockle-shell) small shallow boat. 3 pucker or wrinkle in paper, glass, etc. warm the cockles of one's heart make one contented. [French coquille from Greek: related to conch]

/'kDk(a)l/ n.

shellfish,

cockney

/'kDkni/ -n. (pi. -s) 1 native of London, esp. of the East End. 2 dialect or used there, -adj. of cockneys or accent their dialect, [cokeney 'cock's egg'] cockpit n. 1 a compartment for the pilot (and crew) of an aircraft or spacecraft, b driver's seat in a racing car. c space for the helmsman in some yachts. 2 arena of war or other conflict. 3 place for cock-fights. cockroach /'kDkrautJV n. flat darkbrown beetle-like insect infesting kit-

chens, bathrooms, etc. [Spanish cucaracha] /'kDkskaum/ n. crest of a cock.

cockscomb cocksure

/,kDk'Jo:(r)/ adj.

confident, [from

cock

arrogantly

1

]

/'kDkteil/ n. 1 drink made of various spirits, fruit juices, etc. 2 appetizer containing shellfish or fruit. 3 any hybrid mixture, [origin unknown] cocktail dress n. short evening dress worn at a drinks party. cocktail stick n. small pointed stick for serving an olive, cherry, etc. cock-up n. slang muddle or mistake.

cocktail

cocky adj.

(-ier, -iest) colloq. conceited, cockily adv. cockiness n. arrogant. [from cock ] coco /'kaukau/ n. (pi -s) coconut palm. [Portuguese and Spanish, = grimace] cocoa /'kaukau/ n. 1 powder made from crushed cacao seeds, often with other ingredients. 2 drink made from this. 1

[altered

from cacao]

cocoa bean n. cacao cocoa butter n.

/'kauka.nAt/ n. large brown seed of the coco, with a hard shell and edible white lining enclosing milky

coconut juice.

coconut matting

n.

matting made of

from coconut husks.

coconut shy

n.

fairground sideshow

where balls are thrown to dislodge coco-

cocoon

/ka'ku:n/ -n. 1 silky case spun by insect larvae for protection as pupae. 2 protective covering, -v. wrap or coat in a cocoon. [Provencal coca shell] cocotte /ka'kDt/ n. small fireproof dish for cooking and serving an individual portion. [French] abbr. cash (US collect) on delivery. cod 1 n. (pi. same) large sea fish, [origin

COD

unknown]

cod 2 slang igin

cod

3

1

-n.

1

parody. 2 hoax. -v.

perform a hoax. 2 parody,

[or-

unknown] n.

/'kauda/ n. 1 Mus. final additional passage of a piece or movement. 2 concluding section of a ballet. [Latin cauda tail]

coddle

/'kDd(a)l/ v. (-ling) 1 treat as an invalid; protect attentively; pamper. 2 cook (an egg) in water below boiling point, z coddler n. [a dialect form of caudle invalids' gruel]

code

-n. 1 system of words, letters, symbols, etc., used to represent others for secrecy or brevity. 2 system of prearranged signals used to ensure secrecy in transmitting messages. 3 Computing piece of program text. 4 systematic set of laws etc. 5 prevailing standard of moral behaviour, -v. (-ding) put into code. [Latin codex] codeine /'kaudi:n/ n. alkaloid derived

from morphine, used

to relieve pain.

[Greek kodeia poppy-head]

codependency

/.kaudi'pendansi/ n. addiction to a supportive role in a relationship. codependent adj. & n. codex /'kaudeks/ n. (pi. codices /-di,si:z/) 1 ancient manuscript text in book form. 2 collection of descriptions of drugs etc. [Latin,

=

codfish

tablet,

n.

codger

book]

(pi same)

= cod

slang nonsense, [abbreviation of

codswallop]

1 .

/'kDd3a(r)/ n. (usu. in old colloq. person, esp. a strange

codger)

one. [origin uncertain]

codicil /'kaodisil/ n. addition to a will. [Latin diminutive of codex] codify /'kaudi.fai/ v. (-ies, -ied) arrange (laws

systematically into a code. /-fi keij(a)n/ n. codifier n. /'kDdlin/ n. (also codlin) 1 a

etc.)

codling

1

kind of cooking apple. 2 moth whose larva feeds on apples. [Anglo-French quer de lion lion-heart] codling2 n. small codfish. cod-liver oil n. oil from cod livers, rich in vitamins D and A. codpiece n. hist, bag or flap at the front of a man's breeches, [cod scrotum] codswallop /'kodz.wDlap/ n. slang nonsense, [origin unknown] /kau'ed/ colloq. -n.

coed

nuts.

(-dd-)

coda

codification seed, fatty

substance obtained from the cocoa bean,

fibre

coelacanth

157

cockney

school for

1

both sexes. 2 esp. US female pupil of a coeducational, -adj. school, coed [abbreviation]

coeducation

/,kauedju:'keij(a)n/

pupils

both

of

education

of

together,

coeducational

coefficient

/,kaui'fij(a)nt/

n.

sexes

adj. n.

1

Math.

quantity placed before and multiplying an algebraic expression. 2 Physics multiplier or factor by which a property is measured (coefficient of expansion). [related to co-, efficient]

coelacanth

/'si:la,kaen8/

n.

large sea

formerly thought to be extinct. [Greek koilos hollow, akantha spine]

fish

coelenterate coelenterate

animal with a simple tube-shaped or cup-shaped body, e.g. jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. [Greek koilos holdisease of the small intestine, brought on by contact with dietary gluten. [Latin coeliacus from Greek koilia belly]

coenobite

/'si:li,aek/ n.

/'si:na,bait/ n.

(

US cenobite)

member

of a monastic community. [Greek koinos bios common life]

coequal

/kau'i:kw(a)l/ adj.

&

archaic

n.

or literary equal.

coerce

/kau'3:s/

restrain

by

coercion

v.

(-cing) persuade or

force.

/-'3:JXa)n/

n.

coercible coercive

adj. adj.

[Latin coerceo restrain]

coeval /kau'i:v(a)l/ formal -adj. of the same age; existing at the same time; contemporary, -n. coeval person or coevally adv. [Latin aevum thing. age]

coexist

/.kauig'zist/ v. (often foil, by exist together. 2 (esp. of nations) exist in mutual tolerance of each other's

with)

1

coexistence

ideologies etc.

coex-

n.

istent adj.

coextensive

/.kauik'stensiv/

adj.

extending over the same space or time. C. of E. abbr. Church of England. coffee /'kDfi/ n. 1 a drink made from roasted and ground beanlike seeds of a tropical shrub, b cup of this. 2 a the shrub, b its seeds. 3 pale brown. [Turkish from Arabic] coffee bar n. bar or cafe serving coffee and light refreshments from a counter. coffee-mill n. small machine for grinding roasted coffee beans. coffee morning n. morning gathering, for charity, served.

esp.

coffee

shop

n.

n.

coffee

is

small informal restaur-

ant, esp. in a hotel or

coffee-table coffee-table

which

at

department

store.

n.

large lavishly

illustrated book. n. 1 large strong box for valuables. 2 (in pi. ) treasury, funds. 3 sunken panel in a ceiling etc. [Latin cophinus

coffer

/'kDdsi.teit/

n.

to

watertight enclosure permit work below the building bridges

waterline, e.g. repairing a ship. coffin /'kDfm/ n. box in

(-ting) ponder,

v.

cogitation

meditate.

cogitative

/-'teij"(a)n/

n.

[Latin cogito] cognac /'kDnjaek/ n. high-quality brandy, properly that distilled in Cognac in W. France. cognate /'kDgneit/ -adj. 1 related to or descended from a common ancestor. 2 /-tativ/ adj.

word) having the same linguistic family or derivation, -n. 1 relative. 2 cognate word. [Latin cognatus] (of a

cognate object n. Gram, in origin

a good

and sense

to its

object related

verb (as in

live

life).

cognition

/kDg'niJ(a)n/ n. 1 knowing, perceiving, or conceiving as an act or faculty distinct from emotion and volition. 2 result of this. cognitional adj. cognitive /'kDg-/ adj. [Latin cognitio: related to cognizance] cognizance /'kDgniz(a)ns/ n. formal 1 knowledge or awareness; perception. 2 sphere of observation or concern. 3 Heraldry distinctive device or mark. [Latin cognosco get to know]

cognizant

adj. (foil,

by

of) formal

ing knowledge or being aware

cognomen

/kog'naumen/

n.

hav-

of.

nick-

1

name. 2 ancient Roman's third or fourth name designating a branch of a family, as in Marcus Tullius Cicero, or as an epithet, as in P. Cornelius Scipio Africanus. [Latin] /.konja'Jenti/ n. (pi. -ti

cognoscente I

-hi)

connoisseur. [Italian]

cog-wheel n. wheel with cogs. cohabit /kau'haebit/ v. (-t-) (esp.

of an unmarried couple) live together as cohabitation husband and wife. /-'teij(a)n/ n. cohabitee /-'ti:/ n. [Latin

cohere

/kau'hia(r)/ v. (-ring) 1 (of parts or a whole) stick together, remain united. 2 (of reasoning etc.) be logical or consistent. [Latin haereo haes- stick]

coherent late. 2 (of

basket]

coffer-dam pumped dry

drive]

habito dwell]

small low table.

book

cogent /'kaud3(a)nt/ adj. (of an argument etc.) convincing, compelling. cogency n. cogently adv. [Latin cogo cogitate

low, enteron intestine]

coeliac disease

cohort

158

marine

/si:'lenta,reit/ n.

etc.

or

which a corpse is buried or cremated. [Latin: related to coffer] cog n. 1 each of a series of projections on the edge of a wheel or bar transferring motion by engaging with another series. 2 unimportant member of an organization etc. [probably Scandinavian]

adj.

1

intelligible

an argument

and

articu-

etc.) consistent;

easily followed. 3 cohering. 4 Physics (of waves) having a constant phase rela-

tionship. adv.

coherence

n.

coherently

/kao'hi:3(a)n/ n.1a sticking together, b tendency to cohere. 2 Chem. force with which molecules cohere.

cohesion cohesive

adj. /'kaohoit/ n.

1 ancient Roman military unit, one-tenth of a legion. 2 persons banded 3 a warriors. band of together, b group of persons with a

cohort

coif statistical

characteristic.

[Latin]

coif n.

hist, close-fitting

cap. [Latin cofia

helmet] coiff /kwa:f/ v. (usu. as coiffed adj.) dress or arrange (the hair). [French coiffer]

coiffeur

/kwa:'f3:(r)/ n. (fern, coiffeuse

hairdresser. [French]

/-*f3:z/)

coiffure

/kwa:'fjua(r)/

n.

hairstyle.

[French] coil -v. 1 arrange or be arranged in spirals or concentric rings. 2 move sinuously, -n. 1 coiled arrangement. 2 coiled length of rope etc. 3 single turn of something coiled. 4 flexible loop as a contraceptive device in the womb. 5 coiled wire for the passage of an electric current and acting as an inductor. [Latin: related to collect ] coin -n. 1 stamped disc of metal as 1

official money. 2 (collect.) metal money. -v. 1 make (coins) by stamping. 2 make (metal) into coins. 3 invent (esp. a new word or phrase), n coin money make much money quickly. [Latin cuneus

wedge]

coinage n.

1 coining. 2 a coins, b system of coins in use. 3 invention, esp. of a

word.

coin-box

n.

1

telephone operated by

inserting coins. 2 receptacle for these.

coincide /.kaum'said/ v. (-ding) 1 occur at the same time. 2 occupy the same portion of space. 3 (often foil, by with) agree or be identical. [Latin: related to . incident] coincidence /k8u'msid(a)ns/ n. 1 coinciding.

2 remarkable concurrence of

events

etc.

coincident

apparently by chance. adj. in

the nature of or resulting from coincidentally adv. coincidence. /'koi9(r)/ n.

a

coconut fibre used for [Malayalam kayar

ropes, matting, etc. cord]

coition /k8u'ij(9)n/ n. = coitus. [Latin coitio from eo go] coitus /'kauitas/ n. sexual intercourse. coital adj. [Latin: related to coition]

coitus interruptus

/.mta'rAptas/

n.

sexual intercourse with withdrawal of the penis before ejaculation. coke 1 -n. solid substance left after gases have been extracted from coal. -v. (-king) convert (coal) into coke. [dial. co Ik core]

coke 2

n.

slang cocaine, [abbreviation]

Col. abbr. Colonel. col n. depression in a chain of mountains. [Latin collum neck] col. abbr. column, col- see com-.

cola

kola) 1 W. African tree bearing seeds containing caffeine. 2 carbonated drink usu. flavoured with these. [West African] colander /'kAlanda(r)/ n. perforated /'kaula/ n. (also

vessel used to strain off liquid in cookery. [Latin colo strain] cold /kauld/ -adj. 1 of or at a low temperature. 2 not heated; cooled after heat. 3 feeling cold. 4 lacking ardour, friendliness, or affection. 5 a depressing, uninteresting, b (of colour) suggestive of cold. 6 a dead, b colloq. unconscious. 7 (of a scent in hunting) grown faint. 8 (in games) far from finding what is sought, -n. 1 a prevalence of low temperature, b cold weather or environment. 2 infection of the nose or throat with sneezing, catarrh, etc. -adv. unrehearsed. in cold blood without emotion, deliberately, out in the cold ignored, neglected, throw (or pour) cold water on be discouraging about. coldly adv. coldness n. [Old English] cold-blooded adj. 1 having a body temperature varying with that of the environment. 2 callous; deliberately cold-bloodedly adv. coldcruel.

bloodedness n. cold call -n. marketing call on a person who has previously not shown interest in the product, -v. visit or telephone (a person) in this way. cold chisel n. chisel for cutting metal, stone, or brick. cold comfort n. poor consolation, cold cream n. ointment for cleansing and softening the skin, cold feet n.pl. colloq. loss of nerve,

cold frame

adj.

coincidental /kau.msi'denUa)!/ coir

cold turkey

159

common

n. unheated glass-topped frame for growing small plants, n. nuclear fusion at room temperature, esp. as a possible energy

cold fusion source.

cold-hearted adj. lacking sympathy or cold-heartedly adv. cold-

kindness.

heartedness n. cold shoulder -n.

(prec.

by

the) in-

unfriendliness, -v. (cold-shoulder) be deliberately unfriendly

tentional

towards.

cold sore n. inflammation and blisters in and around the mouth, caused by a virus infection.

cold storage n. 1 storage in a refrigerator. 2 temporary putting aside (of an idea

etc.),

postponement. n. sweating induced by fear

cold sweat or illness.

cold table

n.

selection of dishes of cold

food.

cold turkey n. slang abrupt withdrawal from addictive drugs.

cold cold

war war

without actual fighting, cole n. (usu. in comb.) cabbage. [Latin caul is]

coleopteron

/.kDli'Dpta.ron/ n. insect

with front wings serving as sheaths,

e.g.

the beetle and weevil, c coleopterous adj. [Greek koleon sheath, pteron wing] coleslaw /'kaulslo:/ n. dressed salad of sliced raw cabbage etc. [from cole, i

Dutch

coleus

sla salad] /'kaulias/ n.

plant with variegated leaves. [Greek koleon sheath] coley /'kauli/ n. (pi. -s) any of several fish used as food, e.g. the rock-salmon, [origin uncertain] colic /'kDlik/ n. severe spasmodic ab-

dominal pain. colicky adj. [Latin: 2 related to colon ] colitis /ka'laitis/ n. inflammation of the lining of the colon.

collaborate

1

work

v.

(-ting)

together.

collabenemy. n. collaborative collaborator n. [Latin: related to labour] collage /'kDla:3/ n. form or work of art in which various materials are fixed to a backing. [French, = gluing] collagen /'kDlad3(a)n/ n. protein found in animal connective tissue, yielding gelatin on boiling. [Greek holla glue] collapse /ka'laeps/ -n. 1 falling down or in of a structure; folding up; giving way. 2 sudden failure of a plan etc. 3 physical or mental breakdown; exhaustion, -v. (-sing) 1 (cause to) undergo collapse. 2 colloq. lie or sit down and relax, esp. /-rativ/

/-'reij(a)n/

adj.

colafter prolonged effort. 3 fold up. lapsible adj. [Latin labor laps- slip]

collar /'kDla(r)/-rc.

1

neckband, upright

or turned over. 2 band of leather etc. round an animal's neck. 3 band or ring or pipe in machinery. 4 piece of meat rolled up and tied. -v. 1 capture, seize. 2 colloq. accost. 3 slang appropriate. [Latin collum neck] collar-bone n. bone joining the breastbone and shoulder-blade.

collate /ka'leit/ v. (-ting) 1 assemble and arrange systematically. 2 compare (texts, statements, etc.). n collator n. [Latin: related to confer] collateral /ka'laetar(a)l/ -n. 1 security pledged as a guarantee for the repayment of a loan. 2 person having the same ancestor as another but by a different line. -adj. 1 descended from the same ancestor but by a different line. 2 side by a additional but subordinate, b contributory, c connected but aside from the main subject, course, etc. side; parallel. 3

n collaterally adv. to

[Latin:

related

lateral]

collation

/ka'leij(a)n/ n. 1 collating. 2 thing collated. 3 light meal. [Latin: related to confer] colleague /'kDli:g/ n. fellow worker, esp. in a profession or business. [Latin

collega] 1

/ka'lekt/ -v. 1 bring or come together; assemble, accumulate. 2 systematically seek and acquire, esp. as a hobby. 3 obtain (contributions etc.) from a number of people. 4 call for; fetch. 5 a refl. regain control of oneself, b concentrate (one's thoughts etc.). c (as

collect

collected adj.) not perturbed or distracted, -adj. & adv. US (of a telephone call, parcel, etc.) to be paid for by the receiver. [Latin lego

lect-

pick]

collect 2 /'kDlekt/ n. short prayer of the Anglican or Roman Catholic Church. [Latin collecta: related to collect ] collectable /ka'lektib(a)l/ (also collectible) —adj. worth collecting, -n. item sought by collectors. collection /ka'lekj*(a)n/ n. 1 collecting or being collected. 2 things collected, 1

/ka'laeba.reit/

(often foil, by with) 2 cooperate with an

oration

college

160

between nations

n. hostility

esp. systematically. 3 money collected, esp. at a meeting or church service. collective /ka'lektiv/ -adj. of, by, or relating to a group or society as a whole; joint; shared, -n. 1 cooperative enterprise; its members. 2 = collective

collectively adv. noun. collective bargaining n. negotiation of wages etc. by an organized body of

employees.

collective farm State-owned esp.

jointly-operated of

n.

amalgamation

several smallholdings.

noun

collective

n.

singular

noun

denoting a collection or number of individuals (e.g. assembly, family, troop).

collective

ownership

n.

ownership

of land etc., by all for the benefit of all. collectivism n. theory and practice of collective ownership of land and the

means

collectivist

of production.

n.

& adj. collectivize

v.

(-zing or the basis of collect-

(also

-sing) organize on ive ownership.

-ise)

collectivization

/-'zeiX(a)n/ n.

collector

n.

1

person

who collects who collects

things of interest. 2 person money etc. due.

collector's item

n. (also collector's piece) thing of interest to collectors,

colleen college

/kD'li:n/ n. Ir. girl. [Irish cailin] /'kDlid3/ n. 1 establishment for

further, higher, or professional education. 2 college premises (lived in college). 3 students and teachers in a college. 4 school. 5 organized body of

collegiate persons with shared functions and privileges. [Latin: related to colleague]

collegiate

ka'li:d3iat

adj.

1

of.

or con-

stituted as. a college; corporate. 2 (of a university) consisting of different colleges.

collegiate

church

n. church endowed canons but without a

for a chapter of

bishop's see,

collide ka'laid

v. (-ding) (often foil, by with) come into collision or conflict. [Latin collido -lis- clash] collie 'koli n. sheepdog of an orig. Scottish breed, [perhaps from coll coal] collier 'kolia(r) n. 1 coalminer. 2 a coal ship, b member of its crew, [from coal]

colliery

n.

(pi.

coalmine and

-ies)

its

buildings. ka'li3(a)n n. 1 violent impact of a moving body with another or with a fixed object. 2 clashing of interests etc. [Latin: related to collide] collocate 'kDla.keit v. (-ting) juxtapose (a word etc.) with another, z collocation -'keij(a)n n. [Latin: related to

collision

LOCUS] n. 1 substance consistultramicroscopic particles. 2

colloid 'kDbid ing

of

mixture of such particles dispersed z colloidal in another substance, ka'bid(a)l adj. [Greek holla glue]

colloquial ka'laukwial

adj. of ordin-

ary or familiar conversation, informal, z colloquially adv. [Latin: related to

colloquy]

colloquialism

n. 1 colloquial phrase. 2 use of these.

word

or

colloquium ka'laukwiam

n. (pi. -s or -quia) academic conference or seminar. colloquy] [Latin: related to colloquy 'kDlakwi n. (pi. -quies) literary conversation, talk. [Latin loquor speak] collude ka'lu:d v. (-ding) conspire together, z collusion n. collusive adj. [Latin ludo lus- play] collywobbles 'koli,wDb(a)lz npl. colloq. 1 rumbling or pain in the stomach. 2 apprehensive feeling, [from colic

cologne

eau-de-Cologne or

ka'laon n. similar toilet water, [abbreviation]

used

1

kaulan

esp. to

n.

punctuation mark

(:).

mark

thesis. [Greek,

=

illustration or anticlause]

colon 2

'kaulan n. lower and greater part of the large intestine. [Latin from

Greek]

colonel

command

"k3:n(a)l

n.

army

officer

in

of a regiment, ranking next colonelcy n. (pi. below brigadier. -ies). [Italian colonnello: related to

column]

colonial

ka'launial -adj. 1 of a colony or colonies. 2 of colonialism, -n. inhabitant of a colony. colonialism n. 1 policy of acquiring or maintaining colonies. 2 derog. exploitation of colonies, z colonialist n. & adj. colonist kolanist n. settler in or inhabitant of a colony. colonize kDla naiz v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 establish a colony in. 2 join a colony, z colonization -'zeij(a)n n. colonnade .kolaneid n. row of col-

umns,

esp.

roof,

z

supporting an entablature or

colonnaded column] kDlam n.

[French:

adj.

related to

colony

(pi.

-ies)

1

a settle-

settlers in a new country, fully or partly subject to the mother country, b their territory. 2 a people of one nationality, occupation, etc.. esp. form-

ment or

ing a community in a city, b separate or segregated group (nudist colony). 3 group of animals, plants, etc.. living close together. [Latin colonia farm] colophon kDla,f(a)n n. 1 publisher's imprint, esp. on the title-page. 2 tailpiece in a manuscript or book, giving the writer's or printer's name. date. etc. [Greek. = summit] etc. US var. of colour etc. Colorado beetle ,kula 'ra.dau

color

n.

yel-

low and black beetle, with larva destructive to the potato plant. [Colorado in US] reij(a)n n. (also col-

coloration k vla

ouration) 1 appearance as regards colour. 2 act or mode of colouring. [Latin: related to colour] 1 rc. ,kDlara toara coloratura elaborate ornamentation of a vocal melody. 2 soprano skilled in this. [Italian: related to colour]

colossal

ka'lDs(a)l adj.

1

huge. 2 colloq.

splendid, z colossally adv. [related to

COLOSSUS]

colossus

ka'lDsas n. (pi. -ssi -sai or -ssuses) 1 statue much bigger than life size. 2 gigantic or remarkable person etc. 3 imperial power personified. [Latin

from Greek]

colostomy

wobble]

colon

colour

161

kalDstami

(pi.

n.

-ies)

operation on the colon to make an opening in the abdominal wall to provide an 2 artificial anus, [from colon colour k.\la(r) {US color) -n 1 sensa tion produced on the eye by rays of light when resolved as by a prism into different wavelengths. 2 one. or any mixture, of the constituents into which light can be separated as in a spectrum or rainbow, sometimes including (loosely) black and white. 3 colouring substance, esp. paint. 4 use of all colours in photography etc. 5 a pigmentation of the skin. ]

colouration

column

/'kDlam/ n. 1 pillar, usu. of circular section and with a base and capital. 2 column-shaped object. 3 vertical cylindrical mass of liquid or vapour. 4 vertical division of a printed page. 5 part of a newspaper etc. regularly devoted to a particular subject. 6 vertical row of figures in accounts etc. 7 narrow-fronted arrangement of troops or armoured vehicles in successive lines. columnar /ka'L\mna(r)/ adj. columned adj. [French and Latin] columnist /'kDlammst/ n. journalist contributing regularly to a newspaper etc.

com-

color]

colouration colour bar

var. of coloration. n. racial discrimination against non-White people. colour-blind adj. unable to distinguish colour-blindness n. certain colours. colour code -n. use of colours as a means of identification. — v. (colourcode) identify by means of a colour code.

coloured (US colored)

-adj.

1

having

colour. 2 (Coloured) a wholly or partly of non-White descent, b S.Afr. of mixed White and non-White descent, -n. 1 (Coloured) a Coloured person, b S.Afr. person of mixed descent speaking Afrikaans or English as his or her mother tongue. 2 (in pi.) coloured clothing etc. for washing. colourful adj. (US color ) 1 full of colour; bright. 2 full of interest; vivid. colourfully adv. colouring n. (US color-) 1 appearance as regards colour, esp. facial complexion. 2 use or application of colour. 3 substance giving colour. colourless adj. (US color-) 1 without colour. 2 lacking character or interest. colour scheme n. arrangement of colours, esp. in interior design. colour-sergeant n. senior sergeant of

an infantry company.

colour supplement

prefix (also co-, col-, con-, cor-) with, together, jointly, altogether. [Latin com-, cum with]

Usage Com- is used before b, m, p, and occasionally before vowels and/; coesp. before vowels, h, andgn; col- before r, and con- before other /, cor- before consonants.

coma /'kauma/ n.

(pi -s) prolonged deep unconsciousness. [Latin from Greek] /'kauma.taus/ adj. 1 in a coma. 2 drowsy, sleepy. comb /kaom/ -n. 1 a toothed strip of rigid material for tidying the hair, b similar curved decorative strip worn in the hair. 2 thing like a comb, esp. a device for tidying and straightening wool etc. 3 red fleshy crest of a fowl, esp. a cock. 4 honeycomb, -v. 1 draw a comb through (the hair). 2 dress (wool etc.) with a comb. 3 colloq. search (a place) comb out 1 arrange (the thoroughly. hair) loosely by combing. 2 remove with a comb. 3 search out and get rid of. [Old

comatose

English]

combat

/'kmnbaet/ -n. fight, struggle, contest, -v. (-t-) 1 engage in combat (with). 2 oppose; strive against. [Latin: related to battle] combatant /'kDmbat(a)nt/ -n. person engaged in fighting, -adj. 1 fighting. 2 for fighting.

n.

magazine with

colour printing, as a supplement to a

newspaper.

colposcopy

/kDl'pDskapi/ n. examination of the vagina and neck of the womb. colposcope /'kDlpa.skaup/ n. [Greek

kolpos

combine

162

when

dark, b this as ground for discrimination. 6 ruddiness of complexion. 7 (in pi) appearance or aspect (saw them in their true colours). 8 (in pi) a coloured ribbon or uniform etc worn to signify membership of a school, club, team, etc. b flag of a regiment or ship. 9 quality, mood, or variety in music, literature, etc. 10 show of reason; pretext (lend colour to; under colour of), -v. 1 apply colour to, esp. by painting, dyeing, etc. 2 influence. 3 misrepresent, exaggerate. 4 take on colour; blush. show one's true colours reveal one's true character or intentions. [Latin esp.

womb]

colt /kault/ n. 1 young male horse. 2 coltish Sport inexperienced player. adj. [Old English]

colter US var. of coulter. coltsfoot n. (pi -s) wild plant with large leaves and yellow flowers. columbine /'kDlam.bain/ n. garden plant with purple-blue flowers like a cluster of doves. [Latin columba dove]

combative

/'kmnbatrv/

adj.

pugna-

cious.

combe

coomb.

var. of

combination

/,kDmbi'neiJ(a)n/

n.

1

combining or being combined. 2 combined set of things or people. 3 sequence of numbers or letters used to open a combination lock. 4 motor cycle with a side-car attached. 5 (in pi) single undergarment for the body and legs. [Latin: related to combine]

combination lock opened only by a movements.

combine - v.

n.

lock that can be sequence of

specific

/kam'bain/ (-ning) 1 join common purpose. 2

together; unite for a

combine harvester possess

(qualities usually distinct; together. 3 form or cause to form a chemical compound. 4 kDmbam har-

vest

with a combine harvester, -n. combination of esp. com-

'kDmbam

mercial interests. [Latin bini a pair]

combine harvester

n.

machine that

reaps and threshes in one operation. combings 'kaominz n.pl. hairs

combed

off.

combining form

element used in combination with another to form a word (e.g. Anglo- = English). combo 'kDmbau n. (pi. -s) slang small jazz or dance band, [abbreviation of COMBINATION] n.

linguistic

combustible

kam'bAstib(a)l -adj. capable of or used for burning, -n. combustible substance. combustibility

-'biliti

n.

[Latin

comburo

-bust-

bum, up]

combustion

kam'bAstJ"(a)n

n. 1

burn-

development of light and heat from the chemical combination of a ing. 2

substance with oxygen. -v. (-ming; past came; past part, come) 1 move, be brought towards, or reach a place. 2 reach a specified situation or result (came to no harm). 3 reach or extend to a specified point. 4 traverse or accomplish (with compl.: have come a long way). 5 occur, happen; (of time) arrive in due course (how did you come to break your leg?; the day soon came). 6 take or occupy a specified position in space or time (Xero

come /kAm

came after Claudius). ible or

known

will (comes in (it

become perceptcome to me). 8 be

7

three sizes). 9 become (come loose). 10 (foil, by from, of) a be descended from, b be the result of (that comes of complaining). 11 colloq. play the part of; behave like (don *t come the bully with me). 12 slang have an orgasm. 13 (in subjunctive) colloq. when a specified time is reached (come next month). 1 4 (as int. ) expressing mild protest or encouragement (come, it cannot be that bad). -n. slang semen ejacuavailable

come about happen, come

lated,

across

1

meet or

find

come

163

by chance.

2

be effective or understood; give a specified impression, come again colloq. 1 make a further effort. 2 (as imper. )

colloq.

what did you say 9 come along 1 make progress. 2 (as imper.) hurry up. come apart disintegrate, come at 1 attack. 2 reach, get access to. come away 1 become detached. 2 (foil, by with) be left with (an impression etc.). come back 1 return. 2 recur to one's memory. 3 (often foil, by in) become fashionable or popular again, come between 1 interfere with the relationship of. 2 separate.

come by 1

call

on a

clean see clean,

come come down 1 lose handed down by visit. 2

obtain,

position or wealth. 2 be

tradition. 3 be reduced. 4 (foil, by against, in favour of) reach a decision. 5 (foil, by to) amount basically. 6 (foil, by on) criticize harshly; rebuke, punish. 7 (foil, by with) begin to suffer from (a

disease), come for 1 come to collect. 2 attack, come forward 1 advance. 2 offer oneself for a task, post, etc. come in 1 enter. 2 take a specified position in a race etc. (came in third). 3 become fashionable or seasonable. 4 (with compl.) prove to be (useful etc.) (came in handy). 5 have a part to play (where do I come in?). 6 be received (news has just come in). 7 begin speaking, interrupt. 8

return to base (come

in,

number

9).

9

by for) receive, come into 1 enter, be brought into (collision, prominence, etc.). 2 receive, esp. as an heir, come of age see age. come off 1 (of an action) (foil,

succeed, occur. 2 fare (badly, well, etc.). be detached or detachable (from),

3

come

it colloq. expression of disdisapproval, etc. come on 1 advance. 2 make progress. 3 begin (came on to rain). 4 appear on a stage, field of play, etc. 5 (as imper.) expressing encouragement or disbelief. 6 = come upon, come out 1 emerge; become known. 2 be published. 3 a declare oneself, b openly declare that one is a homosexual. 4 go on strike. 5 (of a photograph or thing photographed) be

off

belief,

produced satisfactorily and clearly. 6 attain a specified result in an examination etc. 7 (of a stain etc.) be removed. 8 make one's debut in society etc. 9 (foil, by in) become covered with (came out in spots). 10 be solved. 11 (foil, by with) declare openly; disclose, come over 1 a come from some distance to visit etc. b come nearer. 2 change sides or one's opinion. 3 a (of a feeling etc.) overtake or affect (a person), b colloq. feel suddenly (came over faint). 4 appear or sound in a specified way. come round 1 pay an informal visit. 2 recover consciousness. 3 be converted to another person's opinion. 4 (of a date) recur,

come through

survive, come to 1 recover consciousness. 2 amount to. come to one's senses see sense, come up 1 arise; present itself; be mentioned or discussed. 2 attain position or wealth. 3 (often foil, by to) approach. 4 (foil, by to) match (a standard etc.). 5 (foil, by with) produce (an idea etc.). 6 (of a plant etc.) spring up out of the ground. 7 become brighter

with polishing), come be faced with or opposed by.

(e.g.

up against

come upon

comeback 1

meet or

commandment

164

by chance. 2 attack by

find

surprise. [Old English]

comfort station

US euphem.

n.

public

lavatory.

comeback

comfrey

Comecon /'kDmi.kDn/ n. economic asso-

comfy

ciation of Socialist countries in E. Europe, [abbreviation of Council for Mutual Economic Assistance] comedian /ka'mirdian/ n. 1 humorous entertainer. 2 comedy actor. 3 slang buffoon. [French]

comfortable, [abbreviation] comic /'komik/ -adj. 1 of or like comedy. 2 funny, -n. 1 comedian. 2 periodical in the form of comic strips. com-

comedienne

comic strip

n. 1 return to a previous (esp. successful) state. 2 slang retaliation or retort.

/ka.mrdi'en/

n.

female

comedian. [French feminine]

comedown

n. 1

pointment. /'komadi/ n. {pi. -ies) 1 a play, film, etc., of amusing character, usu. with a happy ending, b such works as a dramatic genre. 2 humour; amusing

comedic

/ka'mi:dik/

adj.

[Greek: related to comic] n. satirical play portraying the social behaviour of the

comedy of manners upper

classes.

come-hither

attrib. adj. colloq. flirtatious, inviting. comely /'kAmli/ adj. (-ier, -iest) literary

handsome, liness

n.

good-looking. [Old English] n. slang enticement.

come-on comer /'kAma(r)^.

person

as an applicant etc. (offered comer).

come-

who comes it

to the first

comestibles /ka'mestib(8)lz/ n.pl. formal or joc. food. [French from Latin] comet /'knmit/ n. hazy object moving in a path about the sun, usu. with a nucleus of ice surrounded by gas and with a tail pointing away from the sun. [Greek kometes]

comeuppance

/kAm'Apans/ n. colloq. deserved punishment, [come up, -ance] comfit /'kAmfit/ n. archaic sweet consisting of a nut etc. in sugar. [Latin: related to confection] comfort /'kAmfat/ -n. 1 a state of physical well-being, b (usu. in pi.) things that make life easy or pleasant. 2 relief of suffering or grief, consolation. 3 person or thing giving consolation, -v. soothe in grief; console. [Latin fortis strong] comfortable adj. 1 giving ease. 2 free from discomfort; at ease. 3 having an

easy conscience. 4 a having an adequate standard of living; free from financial worry, b sufficient (comfortable income). 5 a with a wide margin (comfortable win), b appreciable (comfortable margin), comfortably adv. comforter n. 1 person who comforts. 2 baby's dummy. 3 archaic woollen scarf.

comfortless

adj.

without comfort.

1

/'kAmfi/ adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq.

comically adv. [Greek komos

ical adj. revel]

sequence of drawings

n.

telling a story.

loss of status. 2 disap-

comedy

aspects.

/'kAmfn/ n. (pi. -s) tall bellflowered plant growing in damp, shady places. [French from Latin]

dreary, cheerless. 2

coming

/'kAmin/

-attrib.

adj.

1

approaching, next (the coming week). 2 of potential importance (coming man), -n. arrival.

comity

/'knmiti/ n.

(pi.

-ies)

formal

1

courtesy, friendship. 2 a association of nations etc. b (in full comity of nations) mutual recognition by nations of the laws and customs of others. [Latin comis courteous] /'kDma/ n. punctuation mark (,) indicating a pause or break between parts of a sentence etc. [Greek, = clause] /ka'ma:nd/ -v. 1 (often foil, by to + infin., or that + clause) give a formal order or instruction to. 2 (also absol.) have authority or control over. 3 have at one's disposal or within reach (a skill, resources, etc.). 4 deserve and get (sympathy, respect, etc.). 5 dominate (a strategic position) from a superior height; look down over. -n. 1 order, instruction. 2 mastery, control, possession. 3 exercise or tenure of authority, esp. naval or military. 4 a body of troops etc. b district under a commander. [Latin: related to mandate] commandant /'kDman.daent/ n. commanding officer, esp. of a military academy. [French or Italian or Spanish: related to command] commandeer /,kDman'dia(r)/ v. 1 seize (esp. goods) for military use. 2 take arbitrary possession of. [Afrikaans

comma

command

kommanderen]

commander /ka'ma:nda(r)/ n.

1

person

who commands, esp. a naval officer next below captain. 2

(in full

knight com-

mander) member of a higher some orders of knighthood.

commander-in-chief

n.

class in

(pi.

com-

comsupreme manders-in-chief) mander, esp. of a nation's forces.

commanding

adj.

1

exalted, impres-

wide view. substantial

sive. 2 (of a position) giving a

3 (of an

advantage

(commanding

etc.)

lead).

commandment n.

divine

command.

command module command module

partment in a spacecraft.

commando

/ka'ma:ndau/

unit of shock troops. 2 [Portuguese: related to

Command Paper n.

{pi.

member

-s) 1

of this.

command]

paper laid before

Parliament by royal command. or film performance given at royal request.

/ka'mema.rert/

1

of commemoration /-'reiJXa)n/ n. commemorative /-rativ/ adj. [Latin:

memory]

related to

2 emphasis on financial profit. v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 exploit or spoil for profit. 2 make commercial, z commercializa-

commercialize tion

/-'zeij\a)n/ n.

commercial traveller

commingle

commencement n. formal beginning. commend /ka'mend/ v. 1 praise. 2

comminute

/ka'mens/ v. (-cing) formal begin. [Latin: related to com-, initiate]

entrust, commit. 3 recommend. com/,komen'deiJ(a)n/ n. [Latin: related to mandate]

mendation

adj.

commendably adv. commensurable

praiseworthy, z

1

(often

foil,

/ka'menjarab(a)l/

by with,

to)

in a ratio equal to the ratio of integers. commensurability /- biliti/ n. [Latin:

related to measure]

commensurate (usu.

foil,

by

/ka'menjarat/ adj.

1

by with) coextensive. 2 (often

with) proportionate. /'kDment/ -n. 1 brief critical or explanatory remark or note; opinion. 2 commenting; criticism {aroused much comment; his art is a comment on society), -v. (often foil, by on or that) foil,

literary

adj.

menace]

/ka'mirjg(a)]/

(-ling)

v.

mingle together. /'kmm.njuit/

(-ting)

v.

1

reduce to small fragments. 2 divide (property) into small portions. com-

minution to

/-'nju:J(a)n/ n. [Latin: related

MINUTE 2 ]

comminuted fracture

fracture

n.

producing multiple bone splinters.

measurable by the same standard. 2 (foil, by to) proportionate to. 3 Math, (of numbers)

adj.

firm's rep-

comminatory /'kDmmatan/ [Latin: related to

commence

commendable

n.

resentative visiting shops etc. to get orders. /'kDmi/ n. slang derog. Communist, [abbreviation] commination /.komf'neiJXa)^ n. literary threatening of divine vengeance.

Commie

v.

preserve in memory by a celebration or ceremony. 2 be a memorial (-ting)

commercialism n. 1 commercial practices.

n.

command performance n. theatrical commemorate

commission-agent

165

control com-

n.

to,

comment

make (esp. critical) remarks, z no comment colloq. I decline to answer your question. [Latin]

commentary /'kDmantan/ n. {pi. -ies) 1 descriptive spoken esp. broadcast account of an event or performance as it happens. 2 set of explanatory notes on a text etc. [Latin]

commentate /'kmnan.teit/ v. (-ting) act as a commentator.

commentator

n. 1 person who provides a commentary. 2 person who comments on current events. [Latin] commerce /'kDm3:s/ n. financial trans-

actions, esp. buying and selling; trading. [Latin: related to mercer] commercial /ka'm3: J(a)l/ -adj. 1 of or engaged in commerce. 2 having financial profit as its primary aim. 3 (of chemicals) for industrial use. -n. telecomvision or radio advertisement. mercially adv.

commercial broadcasting

n.

casting financed by advertising.

broad

commiserate (usu. feel

/ka'miza.reit/

foil, by sympathy,

with)

v.

/-'reij(a)n/ n. [Latin: related to

commissar

(-ting)

express miser]

/'kDmi,sa:(r)/ n. hist.

cial of the Soviet

or

commiseration

z

1 offi-

Communist Party

re-

sponsible for political education and organization. 2 head of a government department in the USSR. [Latin: related to

commit]

commissariat

/.kDmi'seariat/ n.

1

esp.

department for the supply of food etc. b food supplied. 2 hist, government department of the USSR, [related to commissary]

Mil. a

commissary

/'kDmisan/ n. {pi. -ies) 1 deputy, delegate. 2 US Mil. store for supplies of food etc. [Latin: related to

commit]

commission

/ka'mij(a)n/ -n. 1 a authority to perform a task etc. b person(s) entrusted with such authority, c task etc. given to such person(s). 2 order for something to be produced specially. 3 a warrant conferring the rank of officer in the armed forces, b rank so conferred. 4 pay or percentage paid to an agent. 5 act

of committing

(a

crime

empower by commission. artist etc.) a

etc.). -v. 1 2 a give (an for a piece of

commission (a work) to be written etc.

work, b order

3 a give (an officer) command of a ship, b prepare (a ship) for active service. 4 bring (a machine etc.) into operation. in (or out of) commission ready (or not ready) for service. [Latin: related to

commit]

commission-agent

n.

bookmaker.

commissionaire commissionaire

n.

uniformed door-attendant. [French: related to commissioner] commissioner n. 1 person appointed by a commission to perform a specific task, e.g. the head of the London police etc. 2 member of a government commission. 3 representative of government in a district, department, etc. [medieval Latin: related to commission]

Commissioner for Oaths n.

solicitor

authorized to administer an oath in an affidavit etc.

commit /ka'mit/ v.

(-tt-) 1 do or make (a crime, blunder, etc.). 2 (usu. foil, by to) entrust or consign for safe keeping or treatment. 3 send (a person) to prison. 4 pledge or bind (esp. oneself) to a certain course or policy. 5 (as committed adj.) (often foil, by to) a dedicated, b obliged. commit to memory memorize, commit to paper write down. [Latin committo -miss-] commitment n. 1 engagement or obligation. 2 committing or being committed. 3 dedication; committing oneself. committal n. act of committing, esp. to

prison.

committee

/ka'miti/ n. 1 body of persons appointed for a special function by

(and usu. out of) a larger body. 2 (Committee) House of Commons sitting as a committee, [from commit, -ee]

committee stage n.

communal

L66

/k8,mija'nea(r)/

third of five stages

common

with in the same way [Latin communis]

commonality

the

people. 2 the general body (esp. of mankind), [medieval Latin: related to common] n. 1 one of the common people (below the rank of peer). 2 university student without a scholarship, [medieval Latin: related to com-

commoner

mon]

common ground n. point or argument accepted by both sides in a dispute. n. unwritten law based on custom and precedent.

common law

common-law husband

a

raw material or

product as opposed to a service. [Latin: related to

common law

commonly

commodore

/'kDma,do:(r)/ n.

1

naval

above captain and below rearadmiral. 2 commander of a squadron or other division of a fleet. 3 president of a yacht-club. [French: related to comofficer

mander]

common

/'knman/ -adj. (-er, -est) 1 a occurring often, b ordinary; without special rank or position. 2 a shared by, coming from, more than one (common knowledge), b belonging to the whole

community;

public. 3 derog. low-class; vulgar; inferior. 4 of the most familiar type (common cold). 5 Math, belonging to two or more quantities (common denominator). 6 Gram, (of gender) referring to individuals of either sex. —n. 1 piece of open public land. 2 slang = common sense. in common 1 in joint use; shared. 2 of joint interest, in

(also

com-

without formal marriage. adv.

usually, frequently;

ordinarily.

Common Market

European Com-

n.

munity.

common noun

n.

Gram, name denot-

ing a class of objects or a concept, not a particular individual.

common or garden adj. colloq. ordinary.

commonplace

-adj. lacking originordinary, -n. 1 event, topic, etc. that is ordinary or usual. 2 trite remark, [translation of Latin locus comality; trite;

munis] n.

room

for the social

use of students or teachers at a college etc.

n.pl

1

(the

House of Commons.

2

Commons) = the common

people.

common

commode]

n.

mon-law wife) partner recognized by

commons

icle of trade, esp.

(pi. -ies) 1

common

commodity /ka'moditi/ n.

(pi. -ies) art-

(pi.

commonalty]

commonalty /'kDmanalti/ n.

common-room

bill's

n.

-ies) 1 sharing of an attribute. 2 common occurrence. 3 = commonalty, [var. of

progress through Parliament. commode /ka'maod/ n. 1 chamber-pot in a chair with a cover. 2 chest of drawers. [Latin commodus convenient] commodious /ka'maudias/ adj. roomy. of a

/.koma'naeliti/

as.

sense

n.

sound practical

sense.

commonsensical adj.

/,kDman'sensik(8)l/

having or marked by

common

sense.

common

time

n.

Mus. four crotchets

in a bar.

commonwealth

n.

1

independent

State or community, esp. a democratic republic. 2 (the Commonwealth) a association of the UK with States that were previously part of the British Empire, b republican government of Britain 1649-60. 3 federation of States. commotion /ka'm8uj(a)n/ n. confused

and noisy disturbance, uproar.

[Latin:

related to com-] /'kDmjun(a)l/ adj. 1 shared between members of a group or community; for common use. 2 (of conflict etc.) between esp. ethnic or religious

communal

commune [Latin: related to

commune

commune

adv.

1

]

1

/'kDmju:n/ n. 1 group of people sharing accommodation, goods, etc. 2 small district of local government in France etc. [medieval Latin: related

to

common]

commune

common]

(esp. of a disease) able to

[Latin: related to

communicant

be passed on.

communicate] /ka'mju:nikant/

n.

1

person who receives Holy Communion. 2 person who imparts information,

communicate]

communicate (-ting)

/kamju:ni,keit/ v. impart, transmit (news, heat,

1

motion, feelings, disease, ideas, etc.). 2 succeed in conveying information. 3 (often foil, by with) relate socially; dealings. 4 be connected (they

communicating rooms). ator

communicatory

n.

related to

have have

communicadj.

[Latin:

common]

communication /i.1a

/k8,mju:ni'keij(8)n/

information etc. communicated, c letter, message, etc. 2 connec-

b

tion or

means

of access. 3 social dealand practice of transmitting information. communication cord n. cord or chain pulled to stop a train in an emergency. ings. 4 (in pi.) science

communication(s)

satellite

n. arti-

used to relay telephone circuits or broadcast programmes. ficial satellite

communicative

/ka'mju:nikativ/ adj.

ready to talk and impart information. communion /ka'mjumian/ n. 1 sharing, esp. of thoughts etc.; fellowship. 2 participation; sharing in common (communion of interests). 3 (Communion or

Holy Communion) Eucharist.

4

body or group within the Christian faith (the Methodist communion). [Latin: related to common]

communique /ka'mjumi.kei/ n.

official

communication, esp. a news report. [French, = communicated]

communism

/'kDmiu,niz(a)m/

n.

1

a

system in which most property is publicly owned and each person works social

the common benefit, b political theory advocating this. 2 (usu. Communism) the form of socialist society established in Cuba, China, etc., and previously, the USSR. [French: related to

for

common]

1 person advocating communism. 2 (usu. Communist) supporter of Communism or

member of a Communist Party, -adj. 1 of or relating to communism. 2 (usu. Communist) of Communists or a Communist Party. communistic nistik/ adj.

Communist Party advocating

political party

n.

communism

or

Commun-

community

/k9'mju:niti/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 body of people living in one place, district, or country. 2 body of people having religion, ethnic origin, profession, etc., in common. 3 fellowship (community of interest). 4 commune. 5 joint ownership or liability. [Latin: related to

common]

community centre n. place providing social facilities for a neighbourhood. n. tax levied on every adult.

community charge locally

Usage The community charge, or poll tax, replaced

and

household rates in 1989-90 be replaced by a council

is itself to

tax in 1993.

communicating or being commun-

icated,

/'komjunist -n.

ism.

communicable /ka'mju:nikab(9)l/ adj.

[related to

communist

-

2

/ka'mjum/ v. (-ning) (usu. foil, by with) 1 speak intimately. 2 feel in close touch (with nature etc.). [French: related to

compact disc

167

communally

communities.

community home

n.

centre housing

young offenders and other juveniles, community service n. unpaid work in the community, esp. by an offender, community singing n. singing by a large group, esp. of old popular songs or

hymns.

community

spirit

feeling of be-

n.

to a community, expressed mutual support etc.

longing in

commute

/ka'mju:t/ to and

v.

(-ting)

1

travel

some distance

from work. 2 (usu. foil, by to) change (a punishment) to one foil, by into, for) (often less severe. 3 change (one kind of payment or obanother.

for

ligation)

commutable

adj.

4

/,kDmju'teiJ(8)n/ n. [Latin

commuter n.

person

exchange.

commutation muto change]

who commutes to

and from work.

compact

-adj. /kam'paekt/ 1 closely or neatly packed together. 2 small and economically designed. 3 concise. 4 (of a person) small but well-proportioned. -v. /kam'paekt/ make compact, -n. /'kDmpaekt/ (in full powder compact) comsmall flat case for face-powder, pactly adv. compactness n. [Latin

pango

1

fasten]

compact 2

/'kDmpaekt/

n.

agreement,

contract. [Latin: related to pact] compact disc /'kDmpaekt/ n. disc

on which information or sound is recorded digitally and reproduced by reflection of laser light.

companion companion /kam'paenjan/ n.

1 a person or associates with another, b (foil, by in, of) partner, sharer, c person employed to live with and assist another. 2 handbook or reference book. 3 thing that matches another. 4 (Companion) member of some orders of knighthood. [Latin panis bread]

who accompanies

companionable friendly.

adj. sociable, adv. friendship; being

companionably

companionship

n.

together.

companion-way

n. staircase from a ship's deck to the saloon or cabins.

company

/'kAmpani/

n.

-ies) 1

(pi.

number of people assembled, b

a

guest(s).

2 person's associate(s). 3 a commercial business, b partners in this. 4 actors etc. working together. 5 subdivision of an infantry battalion. 6 body of people combined for a common purpose (the ship's company). 7 being with another or others. in company with together with, keep a person company remain with a person to be sociable, part company (often foil, by with) cease to associate; separate; disagree. [French: related to

companion]

comparable /'kDmparab(a)l/ adj. (often foil,

by with,

to)

able or

fit

comparability

pared.

comparably

adv.

[Latin:

to be /-

com-

biliti/

n.

related to

compare]

Usage Use of comparable with to and with corresponds to the senses of compare: to is more common. comparative

/kam'paerativ/ -adj.

1

compare]

compare

/kam'pea(r)/ -v. (-ring) 1 (usu. foil, by to) express similarities in; liken. 2 (often foil, by to, with) estimate the similarity of. 3 (often foil, by with)

bear comparison. 4 Gram, form comparative and superlative degrees of (an adjective or adverb), -n. literary com-

parison (beyond compare). notes exchange ideas or [Latin

grees of comparison) Gram, positive, comparative, and superlative forms of

and adverbs.

adjectives

bear

(or

stand) comparison (often foil, by with) be able to be compared favourably, be-

yond comparison

1 totally different in quality. 2 greatly superior; excellent.

compartment

/kam'pa:tmant/ n. 1 space within a larger space, separated by partitions. 2 watertight division of a ship. 3 area of activity etc. kept apart from others in a person's mind. [Latin: related to part]

compartmental

/,kDmpa:t'ment(a)l/

adj. of or divided into

compartments or

categories.

compartmentalize

(also

v.

-ise)

(-zing or -sing) divide into compartments or categories.

compass

/'kAmpas/

n.

1

instrument

showing the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it. 2 (usu. in pi.) instrument for taking measurements and describing circles, with two arms connected at one end by a hinge. 3 circumference or boundary. 4 area, extent; scope; range. [Latin passus pace]

compassion

/kam'paeJXa)n/ n. pity inclining one to help or be merciful. [Church Latin: related to passion] compassionate /kam'paejanat/ adj.

showing compassion, sympathetic.

compassionately

adv.

leave

n.

leave

granted on grounds of bereavement

etc.

compatible

/kam'paetab(a)l/ adj. 1 a able to coexist; well-suited, b (often foil, by with) consistent. 2 (of equipment etc.) comable to be used in combination. patibility /-'biliti/ n. [medieval Latin: related to passion] compatriot /kam'paetriat/ n. fellowcountryman. [Latin compatriota] compel /kam'pel/ v. (-11-) 1 force, constrain. 2 arouse irresistibly (compels admiration). 3 (as compelling adj.) rousing strong interest, conviction, or compellingly adv. admiration. [Latin pello puis- drive]

compendious

/kam'pendias/ adj. com-

prehensive but

brief. [Latin: related to

compendium]

opinions.

compendium

compar equal]

analysis.

/kam'paens(a)n/ n. 1 comparing. 2 illustration or example of similarity. 3 capacity for being likened (there's no comparison). 4 (in full de-

compare

Usage In current use, to and with are generally interchangeable, but with often implies a greater element of formal

comparison

compassionate

perceptible or estimated by comparison; relative (in comparative comfort). 2 of or involving comparison (a comparative study). 3 Gram, (of an adjective or adverb) expressing a higher degree of a quality (e.g. braver, more quickly), -n. Gram, comparative expression or word. comparatively adv. [Latin: related to

compensate

168

/kam'pendiam/

n. (pi. -s

or -dia) 1 concise summary or abridgement. 2 collection of table-games etc. [Latin]

compensate a (often

foil,

/'kDmpen.seit/ v. (-ting) 1 by for) recompense (a

person), b recompense (loss, damage,

compensation

competency)

ability;

1

ent. 2 income large legal capacity.

competent

adj.

1

being compet-

enough

to live on. 3

n.

competitor /kam'petita(r)/ n. person who competes; rival, esp. in business. compile /kam'pail/ v. (-ling) 1 a collect and arrange (material) into a list, book, etc. b produce (a book etc.) thus. 2 Computing translate (a programming language) into machine code. compilation /,kDmpi'leiJ(a)n/ n. [Latin compilo plunder] compiler n. 1 person who compiles. 2

Computing program for translating a programming language into machine code.

complacent smugly

/kam'pleis(a)nt/

adj.

self-satisfied or contented,

complacence complacently

n.

complacency [Latin

adv.

g n.

placeo

please]

Usage Complacent with complaisant.

is

often confused

/kam'plem/ v. 1 express dis(foil, by of) a say that one is suffering from (an ailment), b state a grievance concerning 3 creak under strain. [Latin plango lament] satisfaction. 2

n.

plaintiff in

certain

lawsuits.

complaint

n.

1

/kam'pleiz(a)nt adj. formal 1 deferential. 2 willing to please; acquiescent, z complaisance n. [French: related to complacent]

Usage Complaisant is often confused with complacent.

complement -n. that

/'kDmplimant/

1

thing

completes;

counterpart. 2 full 3 word(s) added to a verb to complete the predicate of a sentence. 4 amount by which an angle is less than 90°. -v. /'kDmpli.ment/ 1 complete. 2 form a complement to. [Latin

number needed.

compleo

fill

up]

complementary

/.kompli'mentari/ completing; forming a complement. 2 (of two or more things) compleadj.

1

menting each other. altern-

ative medicine.

complete

/kam'plirt/ -adj. 1 having all parts; entire. 2 finished. 3 total, in 1 finish. 2 make complete. 3 fill in (a form etc.). 4 conclude the sale or purchase of property, z complete with having (as an important feature) (comes complete with instructions), z completely adv. completeness n. completion n. [Latin: related to its

every way. -v. (-ting)

complement]

complex

/'kDmpleks/ -n. 1 building, series of rooms, etc., made up of related parts (shopping complex). 2 Psychol. group of usu. repressed feelings or

thoughts which cause abnormal behaviour or mental states. 3 preoccupation; feeling of inadequacy, -adj. 1 complicated.

2

consisting

of related

parts; composite. complexity /kam'pleksiti/ n. (pi. -ies). [Latin com-

plexus]

complexion

/kam'plekJXa)n/ n. 1 natural colour, texture, and appearance of the skin, esp. of the face. 2 aspect, character (puts a different complexion on the matter). [Latin: related to complex] compliance /kam'plaians/ n. 1 obedience to a request, command, etc. 2 capacity to yield, in compliance with

according

to.

compliant

obedient; yielding adv. complicate /'komph.keit/ v. (-ting) 1 make difficult or complex. 2 (as adj.

compliantly

complain

complainant

complaisant

complementary medicine n.

adequately qualified

or capable. 2 effective. competently adv. [Latin: related to compete] competition /.kDmpa'tiJXa)^/ n. 1 (often foil, by for) competing. 2 event in which people compete. 3 the other people or trade competing; opposition. [Latin: related to compete] competitive /kam'petitiv/ adj. 1 of or involving competition. 2 (of prices etc.) comparing favourably with those of rivals. 3 having a strong urge to win.

competitiveness

complication

169

2 (usu. foil, by for a thing) make amends. 3 counterbalance. 4 offset disability or frustration by development in another direction. compensatory /-'seitari/ adj. [Latin pendo pens- weigh] compensation /,kDmpen'seiJX3)n/ n. 1 compensating or being compensated. 2 money etc. given as recompense. compere /'kDmpea(r)/ -n. person who introduces a variety show etc. -v. (-ring) act as compere (to). [French, = godfather] compete /kam'pi:t/ v. (-ting) 1 take part in a contest etc. 2 (often foil, by with, against a person, for a thing) strive. [Latin peto seek] competence /'kDmpit(a)ns/ n. (also etc.).

complaining. 2 griev-

ance, cause of dissatisfaction. 3 ailment. 4 formal accusation.

complicated

adj.)

complex; intricate.

[Latin plico to fold] complication /,kDmpirkeiJ(a)n/

n.1a

involved or confused condition or state, b complicating circumstance; difficulty. 2 (often in pi.) disease or condition aggravating or arising out of a previous one. [Latin: related to complicate]

complicity

comprise

170

/kam'plisiti/ n. partnership in wrongdoing. [French: related to com-

composure

plex]

compote

complicity

compliment -n.

/'kDmplimant/ 1 a poexpression of praise, b act implying praise. 2 (in pi.) a formal greetings accompanying a present etc. b praise. -v. /'kDmpli.ment/ (often foil, by on) lite

congratulate; praise. [Latin: related to

COMPLEMENT]

complimentary adj. 1

/.kompli'mentari/

expressing a compliment. 2 given

free of charge.

compline /'kDmplm/

n. 1 last of the canonical hours of prayer. 2 service

during

this. [Latin: related to

comply

/kam'plai/

v.

comply]

(-ies, -ied) (often

by with) act in accordance (with a request or command). [Latin compleo foil,

fill

up]

component /kam'paunant/ -n. part of a larger whole, —adj. being part of a larger whole. [Latin: related to compound 1 ] comport /kam'po:t/ v.refl. literary con-

duct oneself; behave. suit, befit.

comport with

comportment

n.

[Latin

porto carry] compose /kam'pauz/ v. (-sing) 1 create in music or writing. 2 constitute; make up. 3 arrange artistically, neatly, or for a specified purpose. 4 a (often reft.) calm; settle, b (as composed adj.) calm, self-possessed. 5 Printing a set up (type), b arrange (an article etc.) in type. composed of made up of, consisting of. composedly /-zidli/ adv. [French: related to pose]

(esp. music).

composite /'kompazit/ -adj.

1

made up

of parts. 2 of mixed Ionic and Corinthian style. 3 (of a plant) having a head of many flowers forming one bloom, —n. composite thing or plant. [Latin: related

compose]

composition /,kDmpa'ziJ(a)n/ n.1a

act

or method of putting together; composb thing composed, esp. music. 2 constitution of a substance. 3 school essay. 4 arrangement of the parts of a picture etc. 5 compound artificial sub-

ing,

stance.

compositional

compositor who sets up

adj.

/kam'pDzita(r)/ n. person type for printing. [Latin:

related to compose]

compos mentis /.kmnpDs

n.

tranquil

manner, [from compose] /'kDmpaut/ n. fruit preserved or cooked in syrup. [French: related to

compose]

compound

1

/'kompaund/ -n.

1

mixture

of two or more things. 2 word made up of two or more existing words. 3 substance formed from two or more elements chemically united in fixed proportions. —adj. 1 made up of two or more ingredients or parts. 2 combined; collective, -v. /kam'paund/ 1 mix or combine (ingredients or elements). 2 increase or complicate (difficulties etc.). 3 make up (a composite whole). 4 settle (a matter) by mutual agreement. 5 Law condone or conceal (a liability or offence) for personal gain. 6 (usu. foil, by with) Law come to terms with a person. [Latin compono -pos- put together]

compound

2

/'kompaund/ n. 1 enclosure or fenced-in space. 2 enclosure, esp. in India, China, etc., in which a factory or

house stands. [Malay kampong]

compound

fracture wound.

n.

fracture com-

n.

interest pay-

its

accumulated

plicated by a

compound

interest

able on capital and interest.

comprehend /.kompn'hend/ v.

1 grasp mentally; understand. 2 include. [Latin

comprehendo

seize]

comprehensible

adj. that can be understood. [Latin: related to compre-

hend]

Usage See note at comprise. composer n. person who composes

to

/k9m'p8U3a(r)/

'mentis/ adj.

sane. [Latin]

comprehension n.1a b text

understanding,

set as a test of understanding. 2

inclusion.

comprehensive

-adj. 1 including all or nearly all, inclusive. 2 (of motor insurance) providing protection against most risks, -n. (in full comprehensive school) secondary school for children

comprehensively of all abilities. adv. comprehensiveness n. compress -v. /kam'pres/ 1 squeeze together. 2 bring into a smaller space or shorter time. -n. /'kDmpres/ pad of lint etc. pressed on to part of the body to relieve inflammation, stop bleeding, etc. compressible /kam'presib(a)l/ adj. 1 [Latin: related to press ] compression /kam'prej(a)n/ n. 1 compressing. 2 reduction in volume of the fuel mixture in an internal-combustion engine before ignition.

/'kDmpDst/ -n. 1 mixture of decayed organic matter. 2 loam soil

compressor /kam'presaOr)/ n. machine

growing plants, - v. t treat with compost. 2 make into compost. [Latin: related to compose]

comprise

compost with

fertilizer for

for

compressing air or other gases.

/kam'praiz/ v. (-sing) 1 include. 2 consist of. 3 make up, compose. [French: related to comprehend]

compromise Usage The use of this word in sense 3 considered incorrect and compose generally preferred. is

is

compromise

/'kDmpra.maiz/ -n. 1 settlement of a dispute by mutual concession. 2 (often foil, by between) intermediate state between conflicting opinions, actions, etc. -v. (-sing) 1 a settle a dispute by mutual concession, b

modify one's opinions, demands, bring into disrepute or danger by

etc. 2 indiscretion. [Latin: related to promise] comptroller /kan'traula(r)/ n. controller (used in the title of some finan-

controller]

cial officers), [var. of

compulsion

/kam'pAlJXa)n/ n. 1 compelling or being compelled; obligation. 2 irresistible urge. [Latin: related to compel] compulsive /kam'pAlsiv/ adj. 1 compelling. 2 resulting or acting (as if) from compulsion {compulsive gambler). 3 {compulsive entertainirresistible ment). compulsively adv. [medieval Latin: related to compel] compulsory /kam'pAlsari/ adj. 1 required by law or a rule. 2 essential, compulsorily adv.

compulsory purchase

n.

enforced

sale of land or property to a local authority etc.

compunction

/kam'pAr)kJXa)n/ n. 1 pricking of conscience. 2 slight regret;

scruple. [Church Latin: related to point] compute /kam'pju:t/ ». (-ting) 1 reckon comor calculate. 2 use a computer, putation /,kDmpju:'teiJ(a)n/ n. [Latin

puto reckon]

computer

n. electronic device for storing and processing data, making calculations, or controlling machinery. computerize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 equip with a computer. 2 store, perform, or produce by computer,

computerization /-'zeiJXa)n/ n. computer-literate adj. able

to

use

computers.

computer science principles

n.

the study of the

and use of computers.

computer virus

n.

self-replicating

code maliciously introduced into a computer program and intended to corrupt the system or destroy data.

comrade

/'knmreid/

n.

1

associate or

some activity. 2 fellow comradely socialist or Communist. adj. comradeship n. [Spanish: related companion

tO

in

CHAMBER]

con

1

slang -n.

confidence trick, -v.

(-nn-) swindle; deceive, [abbreviation] con 2 -rc. (usu. in pi.) reason against. 2 -prep. & adv. against (cf. pro ). [Latin

contra against]

conceptual

171

con 3 con 4

n.

slang convict, [abbreviation]

v. {US conn) (-nn-) direct the steering of (a ship), [originally cond from French: related to conduct] con- see com-.

concatenation

/

1

kDnkaeti'neiJ"te)n/ n.

series of linked things or events. [Latin catena chain] concave /'konkeiv/ adj. curved like the interior of a circle or sphere, z con-

cavity

/-'kaeviti/

[Latin: related to

n.

cave]

conceal

/kan'si:l/

1

v.

concealment

hide. hide]

concede

/kan'si:d/

v.

keep

secret. 2 [Latin celo

n.

(-ding)

be true. 2 admit defeat right, privilege, etc.).

admit

1

to

3 grant (a [Latin: related to in.

cede]

conceit

/kan'si:t/ n. 1

personal vanity;

pride. 2 literary a far-fetched comparison, b fanciful notion, [from conceive]

conceited

adj.

conceitedly

vain.

adv.

conceivable

/kan'si:vab(a)l/ adj. capable of being grasped or imagined.

conceivably adv.

conceive

/kan'si:v/

v.

(-ving)

pregnant (with). 2 a (often

1

become

foil,

by

imagine, think, b (usu. in passive)

mulate pio

of)

for-

(a belief, plan, etc.). [Latin conci-

-cept-]

concentrate

/'kDnsan.treit/ -v. (-ting)

by on) focus one's attention or thought. 2 bring together to one 1

(often

foil,

point. 3 increase the strength of (a liquid by removing water etc. 4 (as concentrated adj.) intense, strong. -n. concentrated substance. [Latin: related to etc.)

centre]

concentration /.kDnsan'treiJXaW

n. 1

concentrating or being concentrated. 2 mental attention. 3 something concentrated. 4 weight of a substance in a given

amount of material. concentration camp

n.

camp where

political prisoners etc. are detained, concentric /kan'sentrik/ adj. having a

common centre,

concentrically adv.

[French or medieval Latin: related to centre] concept /'konsept/ n. general notion; abstract idea. [Latin: related to conceive] conception /kan'sepJXa)n/ n. 1 conceiving or being conceived. 2 idea, plan. 3 understanding {has no conception). adj. [French from Latin: related to concept] conceptual /kan'septjual/ adj. of menconceptal conceptions or concepts. tually adv.

conceptional

conceptualize conceptualize

v.

form a concept or idea conceptualization /-'zeiJXa)n/ n. -sing)

1 a be relevant or b relate to; be about. 2 (re/7.; often foil, by with, about, in) interest or involve oneself. 3 worry, affect. -n. 1 anxiety, worry. 2 a matter of interest or importance to one. b interest, connection (has a concern in politics). 3 business, firm. 4 colloq. complicated thing, contrivance. [Latin cerno

to.

sift]

concerned adj.

1 involved, interested. 2 troubled, anxious. be concerned (often foil, by in) take part. concernedly /-idli/ adv. concernedness

/-idnis/ n.

concerning prep, concert

about, regarding.

1 musical performance of usu. several separate composi2 agreement. tions. 3 combination of

/'kmisat/ n.

voices or sounds. [Italian: related to

concerto]

concerted

/kan's3:tid/

adj.

1

jointly

arranged or planned. 2 Mus. arranged -n. musical instrument like an accordion but smaller. -v. (-nas, -naed /-nad/ or -na'd, -naing) compress or collapse in folds like those of a concertina. concerto /kan'tjeatau/ n. (pi -s or -ti /-ti/) composition for solo instrument(s) and orchestra. [Italian] concert pitch n. pitch internationally agreed whereby the A above middle C = 440 Hz. concession /kan'sej(8)n/ n.1a conceding, b thing conceded. 2 reduction in price for a certain category of persons. 3 a right to use land etc. b right to sell congoods in a particular territory.

cessionary

/.konsa'ti-.na/

adj.

[Latin:

related

to

concede]

concessive

/kan'sesiv/ adj. Gram, (of a preposition or conjunction) introducing a phrase or clause which contrasts with the main clause (e.g. in spite of, although). [Latin: related to concede] conch /kontJ7 n. 1 thick heavy spiral shell of various marine gastropod molluscs. 2 any such gastropod. [Latin concha) conchology /knn'kDladsi/ n. the study of shells, [from conch]

concierge

/-

France) door-keeper or porter of a block of flats etc. [French] /,k5si'e93/ n. (esp. in

conciliate /kansili.eit/ v. (-ting) 1 make calm and amenable; pacify; gain

of.

2 reconcile.

eij(a)n/ n.

concili-

conciliator

n.

con-

ciliatory /-'siliatan/ adj. [Latin: related to council] concise /kan'sais/ adj. brief but comprehensive in expression. concisely adv. [

conciseness

n.

i

concision

/-'si3(a)n/ n.

[Latin caedo cut] /'kDnkleiv/

conclave

n. 1 private meet2RCCh.a assembly of cardinals for the election of a pope, b meeting-place for this. [Latin clavis key] conclude /kan'klu:d/ v. (-ding) 1 bring or come to an end. 2 (often foil, by from or that) infer. 3 settle (a treaty etc.). [Latin concludo: related to close 1 ] conclusion /kan'klu:3(8)n/ n. 1 ending, end. 2 judgement reached by reasoning. 3 summing-up. 4 settling (of peace etc.). 5 Logic proposition reached from given premisses. in conclusion lastly, to conclude. [Latin: related to conclude]

ing.

conclusive

/kan'klu:siv/ adj. decisive,

conclusively adv. convincing. [Latin: related to conclude] concoct /kan'kokt/ v. 1 make by mixing ingredients. 2 invent (a story, lie, etc.).

concoction

in parts for voices or instruments.

concertina

the goodwill

ation

of.

concern /kan's3:n/-u. important

concubine

172

(also -ise) (-zing or

coct-

/-'kDkJ(a)n/ n. [Latin coquo

cook]

concomitant /kan'komit^nt/

-adj.

by with) accompanying; ocaccompanying concomitance n. [Latin comes thing. comit- companion] (often

foil,

curring together, -n.

concord mony.

/'kDrjko:d/ n.

agreement, har-

concordant

/kan'ko:d(a)nt/

adj. [Latin cor cord- heart]

concordance

/k8n'ko:d(a)ns/

n.

1

agreement. 2 alphabetical index of words used in a book or by an author, [medieval Latin: related to concord] concordat /k9n'ko:daet/ n. agreement, esp. between the Church and a State. [Latin: related to concord] concourse /'kDnko:s/ n. 1 crowd, gathering. 2 large open area in a railway station etc. [Latin: related to concur] concrete /'konkrut/ -adj. 1 a existing in a material form; real, b specific, definite

a concrete pronoun) denoting a material object as opposed to a quality, state, etc. -n. (often attrib.) mixture of gravel, sand, cement, and water, used

(concrete posal). 2

evidence;

Gram,

(of a

for building, -v. (-ting) cover with or embed in concrete. [Latin cresco cret-

grow]

concretion

/k9n'kri:JX9)n/ n.

1

hard

solid mass. 2 forming of this by coalescence. [Latin: related to concrete] concubine /'konkju.bain/ n. 1 literary or joc. mistress. 2 (among polygamous concubinpeoples) secondary wife. age /kan'kju:bmid3/ n. [Latin cubo lie]

concupiscence /kan'kju:pis(a)ns/ n. concupiscent adj. [Latin

formal lust. cupio desire]

concur /kan'k3:(r)/

v.

(-rr-) 1 (often foil,

by with) have the same opinion. 2 coincide. [Latin curro run]

concurrent foil,

/kan'kArant/ adj.

(often at

1

by with) existing or in operation

same time or together. 2 (of three or more lines) meeting at or tending to-

the

wards one

point. 3 agreeing,

concurrence

nious.

n.

harmoconcur-

rently adv.

concuss

/kan'kAs/

v.

subject to concus-

sion. [Latin quatio shake]

concussion

/kan'kAj(a)n/ n. 1 temporary unconsciousness or incapacity due to a blow to the head, a fall, etc. 2 violent

shaking.

condemn

/kan'dem/ v. 1 express utter disapproval of. 2 a find guilty; convict, foil, by to) sentence to (a punish(usu. b ment). 3 pronounce (a building etc.) unfit for use. 4 (usu. foil, by to) doom or assign (to something unpleasant).

condemnation condemnatory [Latin: related to

kDndem neiJ(a)n/ ,

/

1

/-'demnatari/

n.

condense] /kan'dens/

v.

(-sing)

1

make

denser or more concentrated. 2 express in fewer words. 3 reduce or be reduced

from a gas or vapour

to a liquid. [Latin:

related to dense]

condensed milk

n. milk thickened by evaporation and sweetened. condenser n. 1 apparatus or vessel for condensing vapour. 2 Electr. - capacitor. 3 lens or system of lenses for concentrating light. condescend /.kDndi'send/ v. 1 be gracious enough (to do a thing) esp. while showing one's sense of dignity or superiority (condescended to attend). 2 (foil, by to) pretend to be on equal terms with (an inferior). 3 (as condescending

condescendingly condescension /-'senJXa)n/ n.

adj.) patronizing.

adv.

[Latin: related to descend] adj. (of a punish-

condign /kan'dam/ ment

etc.)

severe and well-deserved.

[Latin dignus worthy]

condiment

non-natural stimulus, established by training. conditioner n. agent that conditions, to a

esp. the hair. /kan'daul/

condole

v. (-ling) (foil, by with) express sympathy with (a person) over a loss etc. [Latin condoleo grieve with another]

Usage Condole is often confused with console"

condolence

damn]

/,kDnden'seiJ(a)n/ n. 1 condensing or being condensed. 2 condensed liquid (esp. water on a cold surface). 3 abridgement. [Latin: related to

affecting the functioning or existence of something (good working conditions). 1 a bring into a good or desired state, b make fit (esp. dogs or horses). 2 teach or accustom. 3 a impose conditions on. b be essential to. in (or out of) condition in good (or bad) condition, on condition that with the stipulation that. [Latin dico say] conditional adj. 1 (often foil, by on) dependent; not absolute; containing a condition. 2 Gram. (of. (-ring) guess. [Latin conjectura from jacio throw] conjoin /kan'd3Din/ v. formal join, combine. conjoint /kan'd3oint/ adj. formal associated, conjoined. conjugal /'kDnd3ug(a)l/ adj. of marriage or the relationship of husband and wife. [Latin conjux consort] conjugate -v. /'kDnd3u,geit/ (-ting) 1 Gram, list the different forms of (a verb). 2 a unite, b become fused, -adj. /'kDnd3ugat/ 1 joined together, paired. 2 fused. [Latin jugum yoke] /'kDmfa(r)/

conjugation

/t

n.

kDnd3u'geiJ(a)n/

Gram, system of verbal

conjunct

conjunction /kan'd3ArjkJ(8)n/ n. 1 joining; connection. 2 Gram, word used to connect clauses or sentences or words in the same clause (e.g. and, but, if). 3 combination (of events or circumstances). 4 apparent proximity to each other of two bodies in the solar system. conjunctiva / kDnd3Ank'taiva/ n. (pi. -s) mucous membrane covering the front of the eye and the lining inside the t

eyelids.

of a congregation. 2 (Congregational) of or adhering adj.

connective

176

congratulation

n.

inflection.

/kan'd3Ankt/ adj. joined together; combined; associated. [Latin from juntus joined]

conjunctive /kan'd3Anktiv/ adj.

1

serv-

ing to join. 2 Gram, of the nature of a conjunction.

conjunctivitis

/kan,d3Arjkti'vaitis/ n.

inflammation of the conjunctiva.

conjure

/'kAnd3a(r)/ v. (-ring) 1 pertricks which are seemingly maby movements of the hands. 2 summon (a spirit or demon) to appear. 3 /kan'd3ua(r)/ formal appeal solemnly to. conjure up 1 produce as if by magic. 2 evoke. [Latin juro swear] conjuror n. (also conjurer) performer of conjuring tricks. conk 1 v. (usu. foil, by out) colloq. 1 (of a machine etc.) break down. 2 (of a person) become exhausted and give up; fall asleep; faint; die. [origin unknown]

form

gical, esp.

conk 2 slang -n.

1 nose or head. 2 punch on the nose or head. -v. hit on the nose or head, [perhaps = conch]

conker n.

1

fruit of the

horse chestnut. 2 played with conker snail-

(in pi.) children's game conkers on strings, [dial,

shell]

con man n. confidence trickster. conn US var. of con 4 connect /ka'nekt/ v. 1 (often foil, by .

to,

with) join (two things, or one thing with another). 2 be joined or joinable. 3 (often foil, by with) associate mentally or practically. 4 (foil, by with) (of a train etc.) be timed to arrive with another, so passengers can transfer. 5 put into communication by telephone. 6 a (usu. in passive; foil, by with) associate with others in relationships etc. b be meaningful or relevant. 7 colloq. hit or strike effectively. [Latin necto nex- bind] connecting-rod n. rod between the piston and crankpin etc. in an internal combustion engine. connection /ka'nekj(a)n/ n. (also connexion) 1 connecting or being connected. 2 point at which two things are connected. 3 link, esp. by telephone. 4 connecting train etc. 5 (often in pi.) relative or associate, esp. one with in coninfluence. 6 relation of ideas. nection with with reference to. connective adj. connecting, esp. of body tissue connecting, separating, etc.,

organs

etc.

connector rc.

submarine containing the periscope. 2 armoured wheel-house of a warship, 4 [from con connive /ka'naiv/ v. (-ving) 1 (foil, by ]

disregard or tacitly consent to (a wrongdoing). 2 (usu. foil, by with) conconnivance n. [Latin conniveo spire, shut the eyes]

at)

connoisseur /,kDna's3:(r)/ n. by of

(often

foil,

expert judge in matters of taste. [French connaitre know] connote /ka'naut/ v. (-ting) 1 (of a word etc.) imply in addition to the literal or in)

primary meaning. 2 mean,

signify.

connotation notative

/,kDna'teiJXa)n/ n. con/'knna.teitiv/ adj. [medieval

Latin: related to note] /ka'nju:bial/ adj. of marriage or the relationship of husband and wife. [Latin nubo marry]

connubial

conquer

/'kDrjka(r)/

1

v.

a overcome

and control militarily, b be victorious. 2 overcome by effort. conqueror n. [Latin conquiro win]

conquest

/'kDnkwest/ n. 1 conquering or being conquered. 2 a conquered territory, b something won. 3 person whose affection has been won. consanguineous /.konsaer/gwinias/ adj. descended from the same ancestor; consanguinity n. [Latin sanakin. guis blood] conscience /'kDnJ\a)ns/ n. moral sense of right and wrong, esp. as affecting behaviour, z in all conscience colloq. by any reasonable standard, on one's conscience causing one feelings of

prisoner of conscience person imprisoned by the State for his or her guilt,

or religious related to science] political

conscience

money

views. n.

sum

[Latin:

paid to

relieve one's conscience, esp. regarding

a payment previously evaded. conscience-stricken adj. (also con-

science-struck)

made uneasy by

a bad

conscience.

conscientious /.konji'enjas/ adj. diligent and scrupulous, z conscientiously adv. conscientiousness n. [medieval Latin: related to conscience] n. person who for reasons of conscience objects to

conscientious objector military service etc. j

conscious /'konjas/ -adj. 1 awake and aware of one's surroundings and identity.

2 (usu.

knowing. 3

conservative

177

connector n. thing that connects. conning tower 1 superstructure of a

foil, by of or that) aware, (of actions, emotions, etc.)

realized or recognized by the doer; intentional. 4 (in comb.) aware of; concerned with (fashion-conscious), -n. (prec. by the) the conscious mind.

consciously adv. consciousness [Latin scio know]

n.

-v. /kan'skript/ summon for compulsory State (esp. military) service, -n. /'knnskript/ conscripted person, z conscription /kan'sknpJXa)n n. [Latin scribo write]

conscript

consecrate /'knnsi.kreit/ v. (-ting) 1 make or declare sacred; dedicate formally to religious or divine purpose. 2 (foil, by to) devote to (a purpose), z consecration /-'kreiJXatn/ n. [Latin:

related to sacred] /kan'sekjutiv/ adj.

consecutive

1

a

fol-

lowing continuously, b in an unbroken or logical order. 2 Gram, expressing a consequence, z consecutively adv. [Latin sequor secut- follow]

consensus

/kan'sensas/ n. (often foil, of; often attrib.) general agreement or opinion. [Latin: related to consent]

by

consent

/kan'sent/ -v. (often

foil,

by

to)

express willingness, give permission, agree, -n. voluntary agreement, permission. [Latin sentio feel] consequence /'kDnsikwans/ n. 1 result or effect of what has gone before. 2 importance, z in consequence as a result, take the consequences accept the results of one's choice or action. [Latin: related to consecutive]

consequent

adj.

1

(often

foil,

by on,

upon) following as a result or consequence. 2 logically consistent.

consequential

/.kDnsi'kwenJXa)!/ adj.

consequent; resulting indirectly. 2 important. 1

consequently

adv.

&

conj. as a result;

therefore.

conservancy /kan's3:vansi/

n. (pi. -ies)

body controlling a port, river, preserving the environment. 2 environmental conservation. 1

etc.,

or

official

[Latin:

related to conserve] /,kDnsa'veiJ(a)n/ n. preservation, esp. of the natural environment. [Latin: related to conserve] conservationist n. supporter of environmental conservation. conservation of energy n. principle that the total quantity of energy in any system that is not subject to external action remains constant. conservative /kan's3:vativ' -adj. 1 a averse to rapid change, b (of views,

conservation

avoiding moderate, etc.) extremes. 2 (of an estimate etc.) purposely low. 3 (usu. Conservative) of Conservatives or the Conservative Party. 4 tending to conserve, -n. 1 conservative person. 2 (usu. Conservative) supporter or member of the conservatism Conservative Party. n. [Latin: related to conserve] taste,

Conservative Party Conservative Party n.

ns

political party

promoting free enterprise and private ownership.

conservatoire

/kan's3:va,twa:(r)/

n.

European) school of music or other arts. [French from Italian]

(usu.

conservatory

/kan's3:vatari/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 greenhouse for tender plants, esp. attached to a house. 2 esp. US =

conservatoire. [Latin related to conserve]

and

Italian:

conserve -d. /kan's3:v/ (-ving) keep from harm or damage, esp. for later use. -n. /'kons3:v/ fresh fruit jam. [Latin servo keep]

consider

/kan'sida(r)/

v. 1

sidered.

-prep. & conj. in view of; taking into consideration, -adv. colloq. taking everything into account (not so bad, considering).

considering

consign /kan'sain/

v. (often foil, by to) 1 over; deliver. 2 assign; commit. 3

transmit or send (goods). /.kDnsai'ni:/

n.

consignee

consignor

n.

[Latin:

related to sign]

related to

consistory

/kan'sistari/ n. (pi. -ies)

RC

Ch. council of cardinals (with or without the pope). [Latin: related to consist]

consolation

/,kDns9'leiJ(a)n/ n. 1 consoling or being consoled. 2 consoling thing or person. consolatory /kan'solatan/ adj. consolation prize n. prize given to a competitor who just fails to win a main prize.

console

1

/kan'saul/ v. (-ling) comfort, esp. in grief or disappointment. [Latin: related to solace]

Usage Console is often confused with which

condole,

is

different in that

it is

always followed by with.

console 2

/'konsaul/

n.

1

panel

for

switches, controls, etc. 2 cabinet for a television etc. 3 cabinet with the keyboards and stops of an organ. 4 bracket supporting a shelf etc. [French] consolidate /kan'sDli.deit/ v. ( ting) 1 make or become strong or secure. 2

combine

companies, debts, one whole. consolidation /-'deij(a)n/ n. consolidator n. [Latin: (territories,

etc.) into

related to solid]

consomme from meat

/kan'somei/

n.

clear soup

stock. [French]

consonance

/'kDnsanans/

n.

agree-

ment, harmony. [Latin sono sound ] consonant -rc. 1 speech sound in which the breath is at least partly obstructed, and which forms a syllable by combining with a vowel. 2 letter(s) representing 1

-adj. (foil, by with, to) consistent; agreement or harmony. consonantal /-'naent(a)l/ adj. consort -n. /'kunsD:t/ wife or husband, this.

in

1

esp. of royalty. -v. /kan'so:t/ 1 (usu. foil, by with, together) keep company. 2 harmonize. [Latin: related to sort] consort 2 /'kDnso:t/ n. Mus. small group of players, singers, or instruments, [var.

of concert]

consortium

/kan'sa:tiam/ n. (pi. -tia or association, esp. of several business companies. [Latin: related to consort ] conspicuous /kan'spikjuas/ adj. 1 clearly visible; attracting notice. 2 noteconspicuously adv. [Latin worthy. specio look] conspiracy /kan'spirasi/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 secret plan to commit a crime; plot. 2 conspiring. [Latin: related to conspire] -s)

consignment

n. 1 consigning or being consigned. 2 goods consigned. consist /kan'sist/ v. 1 (foil, by of) be composed; have as ingredients. 2 (foil, by in, of) have its essential features as

specified. [Latin sisto stop]

consistency /kan'sistansi/ n.

[Latin:

consist]

contemplate

mentally, esp. in order to reach a conclusion. 2 examine the merits of. 3 look attentively at. 4 take into account; show consideration or regard for. 5 (foil, by that) have the opinion. 6 regard as. 7 (as considered adj.) formed after careful thought (a considered opinion). all things considered taking everything into account. [French from Latin] considerable adj. 1 much; a lot of (considerable pain). 2 notable, important, considerably adv. considerate /kan'sidarat/ adj. thoughtful towards others; careful not to cause hurt or inconvenience. considerately adv. [Latin: related to consider] consideration /kan.sida'reil^n/ n. 1 careful thought. 2 thoughtfulness for others; being considerate. 3 fact or thing taken into account. 4 compensation; payment or reward. in consideration of in return for; on account of. take into consideration make allowance for. under consideration being con-

hand

conspirator consistently adv.

(pi. -ies) 1

degree of density, firmness, or viscosity, esp. of thick liquids. 2 being consistent. [Latin: related to consist] consistent adj. 1 (usu. foil, by with) compatible or in harmony. 2 (of a person) constant to the same principles.

1

conspiracy of silence to

n.

agreement

say nothing.

conspirator

who

/kan'spirata(r)/ n. person

takes part in a conspiracy.

spiratorial

/-'to:rial/ adj.

con-

conspire /kan'spaia(r)/ v. (-ring) 1 combine secretly for an unlawful or harmful act. 2 (of events) seem to be working together. [Latin spiro breathe] constable /'kAnstab(a)l/ n. 1 (also police constable) police officer of the lowest rank. 2 governor of a royal castle. [Latin comes stabuli count of the stable] constabulary /kan'staebjulari/ n. (pi. [medieval Latin: -ies) police force, related to constable] constancy /'konstansi/ n. being

unchanging and dependable; faithfulness. [Latin: related to constant]

constant

-adj.

1

continuous (constant

attention). 2 occurring frequently (con-

stant complaints). 3 unchanging, faithful, dependable, -n. 1 anything that does not vary. 2 Math. & Physics quantity or number that remains the same. constantly adv. [Latin sto stand] constellation /.kDnsta'leiJXaW n. 1 group of fixed stars. 2 group of associated persons etc. [Latin Stella star]

consternation

/,kDnsta'neiJXa)n/ n. anxiety, dismay. [Latin sterno throw

down] constipate

/'knnsti.peit/

constipation

v.

/,kDnsti'peiJXa)n/ n.

diffi-

culty in emptying the bowels.

constituency body

/kan'stitjuansi/ n. (pi of voters who elect a repres-

entative. 2 area so represented. constituent /kan'stirjuant/ -adj. 1 composing or helping to make a whole. 2

able to make or change a constitution (constituent assembly). 3 electing, -n. 1 member of a constituency. 2 component part. [Latin: related to constitute]

constitute /'kDnsti,rju:t/ v. (-ting) 1 be the components or essence of; compose. 2 a amount to (this constitutes a warning), b formally establish (constitutes a precedent). 3 give legal or constitutional form to. [Latin constituo establish] constitution /,kDnsti'tju:JXa)n/ n. 1 act or method of constituting; composition. 2 body of fundamental principles by which a State or other body is governed. 3 person's inherent state of health, strength, etc. [Latin: related to constitute] constitutional -adj. 1 of or in line with the constitution. 2 inherent (constitutional weakness), -n. walk taken constiregularly as healthy exercise.

tutionality

/-'naeliti/ n.

constitution-

ally adv.

constitutive /'kDnsti,tju:tiv/ adj. 1 able to form or appoint. 2 component. 3 essential.

constrain /kan'strem/

compel. 2 a confine forcibly; imprison, b restrict v. 1

constrained ad/'.) forced,

severely. 3 (as

embarrassed. [Latin stringo

strict- tie]

constraint /kan'stremt/

n. 1 constraining or being constrained. 2 restriction. 3

self-control.

constrict

/kan'strikt/

or tight; compress.

v.

make narrow

constriction

n.

constrictive adj. [Latin: related to constrain]

constrictor

n.

snake that

1

by

kills

compressing. 2 muscle that contracts an organ or part of the body. -v. /kan'strAkt/ 1 make by parts together; build, form. delineate figure). (a -n. /'kDnstrAkt/ thing constructed, esp. by the mind. constructor /kan'strAkta(r)/ n. [Latin struo struct-

construct fitting

2

Geom.

build]

construction /kan'strAkJXa)n/

n. 1 constructing or being constructed. 2 thing constructed. 3 interpretation or explanation. 4 syntactical arrangement of

constructional

words.

adj.

constructive

(-ting) (esp. as constipated adj.) affect with constipation. [Latin stipo cram]

-ies) 1

consultant

179

conspire

/kan'strAktiv/ adj. 1 a tending to form a basis for ideas, b helpful, positive. 2 derived by inference. constructively adv. (-strues, construe /kan'stru:/ v. -strued, -struing) 1 interpret. 2 (often foil, by with) combine (words) grammatically. 3 analyse the syntax of (a sentence). 4 translate literally. [Latin: related to construct]

consubstantial

/.konsab'staenKaH/

Theol. of one substance. [Church Latin: related to substance] /.konsab.staenji consubstantiation eij(a)n/ n. Theol. presence of Christ's adj.

,

body and blood together with the bread and wine in the Eucharist.

consul

/'kDns(a)l/ n.

by a State

1 official

appointed

to protect its citizens

and

interests in a foreign city. 2 hist, either of two chief magistrates in ancient

consular Rome. sulship n. [Latin]

/-sjula(r)/ adj.

consulate /'kDnsjulat/ n.

1 official

conbuild-

ing of a consul. 2 position of consul. /kan'sAlt/ v. 1 seek information or advice from. 2 (often foil, by with) refer to a person for advice etc. 3 take

consult

into account (feelings, interests, etc.). consultative adj. [Latin consulo consult-

take counsel]

consultancy

n.

(pi.

-ies) practice

or

position of a consultant.

consultant

n. 1 person providing professional advice etc. 2 senior medical specialist in a hospital.

consultation meeting

/,kDnsal'teiJ\a)n/ n. 1 arranged to consult. 2 act or

process of consulting.

consume /kan'sju:m/ v.

(-ming) 1 eat or drink. 2 destroy. 3 preoccupy, possess (consumed with rage). 4 use up. consumable adj. & n. [Latin consumo

person who consumes, esp. one who uses a product. 2 purchaser of goods or services. consumer durable n. durable household product (e.g. a radio or washingmachine). consumer goods n.pl. goods for consumers, not for producing other goods. n. 1

consumerism

protection of consumers' interests. 2 (often derog.) continual increase in the consumption of goods. consumerist adj. consummate -v. / knnsa.meit/ (-ting) 1 complete; make perfect. 2 complete (a marriage) by sexual intercourse, -adj. /kan'sAmit/ complete, perfect; fully n.

1

consummation /-'meiJXa)n/ n. [Latin summus utmost] consumption /kan'sAmpJXa)n/ n. 1 skilled.

consuming or being consumed. 2 amount consumed. 3 use by a particular group (a film unsuitable for children's consumption). 4 archaic tuberculosis of the lungs. 5 purchase and use of goods etc. [French: related to consume]

consumptive

/kan'sAmptiv/ archaic -adj. suffering or tending to suffer from consumption, -n. consumptive person, [medieval Latin: related to consumption]

cont. abbr.

way. 2 (of emotions etc.) likely to spread (contagious enthusiasm). contain /kan'tein/ v. 1 hold or be capable of holding within itself; include, comprise. 2 (of measures) be equal to (a gallon contains eight pints). 3 prevent from moving or extending. 4 control or this

etc.). 5 (of a number) be divisible by (a factor) without a remainder. [Latin teneo hold] container n. 1 box, jar, etc., for holding things. 2 large metal box for transporting goods.

restrain (feelings

sumpt-]

consumer

content

180

consultation

contents. 2 continued. contact /'kontaekt/ -n. 1 state or condition of touching, meeting, or communicating. 2 person who is or may be communicated with for information, assistance, etc. 3 connection for the passage of an electric current. 4 person likely to carry a contagious disease through being near an infected person. -v. 1 get in touch with (a person). 2 begin correspondence or personal dealings with. [Latin tango tact- touch] contact lens n. small lens placed directly on the eyeball to correct vision. contact print photographic print made by placing a negative directly on to printing paper and exposing it to 1

light.

contagion /kan'teid3(a)n/ n.

1 a spreading of disease by bodily contact, b contagious disease. 2 moral corruption,

[related to contact] contagious /kan'teid3as/ adj. 1 a (of a person) likely to transmit a disease by contact, b (of a disease) transmitted in

containerize

v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) pack in or transport by container.

containerization

containment

n.

/-'zeij*(a)n/ n.

action or policy of

preventing the expansion of a hostile country or influence.

contaminate 1

/kan'taemi.neit/ v. (-ting) pollute, esp. with radioactivity. 2 in-

contaminant n. contaminacontaminator n.

fect.

tion

/-'neij(a)n/ n.

[Latin tamen- related to tango touch] /'kontam.pleit/ v. (-ting) 1 survey visually or mentally. 2 regard (an event) as possible. 3 intend (he is not contemplating retiring). 4 meditate.

contemplate

contemplation

contemplative

/-'pleij(a)n/ n. [Latin]

/kan'templativ/ -adj.

of or given to (esp. religious) contemplation; thoughtful, -n. person devoted to religious contemplation. [Latin: related to

contemplate]

contemporaneous

/kan.tempa

adj. (usu. foil, existing or occurring at the

by

'reinias/

same

z contemporaneity /-'ni:iti/ related to com-, tempus time]

with) time,

n. [Latin:

contemporary /kan'temparan/ -adj. living or occurring at the

1

same time. 2 of

approximately the same age. 3 modern in style or design, -n. (pi. -ies) contemporary person or thing, [medieval Latin: related to

contemporaneous]

contempt /kan'tempt/ n.

1

feeling that a

person or thing deserves scorn or extreme reproach. 2 condition of being held in contempt. 3 (in full contempt of court) disobedience to or disrespect for a court of law. [Latin temno tempt- despise]

contemptible

adj.

deserving

contemptibly

tempt, z

contemptuous

con-

adv.

by of) feeling or showing contempt, z conadj. (often foil,

temptuously

adv. /kan'tend/ v. 1 (usu. foil, by with) fight, argue. 2 compete. 3 assert,

contend

maintain,

z

related to tend

content fied;

1

contender ]

/kan'tent/ -predic. adj.

adequately happy. 2

infin.)

[Latin:

n.

1

willing,

-v.

(foil,

make

1 satis-

by

to

+

content;

content

content 2

/'kDntent/ n.

1

(usu. in pi.)

what is contained, esp. in a vessel, book, or house. 2 amount (of a constituent) contained {high fat content). 3 substance (of a speech etc.) as distinct from form. 4 capacity or volume, [medieval Latin: related to contain] contented /kan'tentid/ adj. showing or feeling content; happy, satisfied. contentedly adv. contentedness n. contention /kan'ten.T(a)n/ n. 1 dispute or argument; rivalry. 2 point contended for in an argument. [Latin: related to

contend]

contentious

/kan'tenjas/ adj. 1 quarrelsome. 2 likely to cause an argument.

contentment

n.

satisfied state; tran-

quil happiness. -rc. /'kDntest/ 1 contending; strife. 2 a competition, -v. /kan'test/ 1 dispute (a decision etc.). 2 contend or compete for; compete in (an election). [Latin testis witness] contestant /kan'test(a)nt/ n. person taking part in a contest. context /'knntekst/ n. 1 parts that surround a word or passage and clarify its meaning. 2 relevant circumstances. in (or out of) context with (or without)

contest

the

words or circumcontextual /kan'tekstjual/ contextualize /kan'tekstjua.laiz/

surrounding

stances. adj.

contort

181

-n. contented state; satisfaction. to one's heart's content as much as one wishes. [Latin: related to contain] satisfy,

v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). [Latin: related to text] contiguous /kan'tigjuas/ adj. (usu. foil, by with, to) touching; in contact.

contiguity /,konti'gju:iti/ related to contact]

n.

[Latin:

continent /'knntmant/ n. 1 any of the main continuous expanses of land (Eur1

contingency

/kan'tmd3ansi/ n. (pi -ies) 1 event that may or may not occur. 2 something dependent on another uncertain event. [Latin: related to contingent] contingent -adj. 1 (usu. foil, by on, upon) conditional, dependent (on an uncertain event or circumstance). 2 a that may or may not occur, b fortuitous. -n. 1 body (of troops, ships, etc.) forming part of a larger group. 2 group of people sharing an interest, origin, etc. (the Oxford contingent). [Latin: related to

contact]

continual

/kan'tmjual/ adj. constantly or frequently recurring; always happening. continually adv. [French: related to continue]

Usage Continual is often confused with continuous. Continual is used of something that happens very frequently (e.g. there were continual interruptions), while continuous is used of something that happens without a pause (e.g. continuous rain all day). continuance

,/kan'tmjuans/ n. 1 continuing in existence or operation. 2 duration. continuation /kan tinju'eij(a)n/ n. 1 continuing or being continued. 2 part that continues something else. continue /kan'tinju:/ v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) 1 maintain, not stop (an action etc.) (continued to read, reading). 2 (also absol.) resume or prolong (a narrative, journey, etc.). 3 be a sequel to. 4 remain, stay (will continue as (

manager,

weather continued contain]

continuity

/,kDnti'nju:iti/ n. (pi. -ies)

continuo

contain]

continuous

continent /'kontmant/

able to control one's bowels and bladder. 2 exercising self-restraint, esp. sexually. continence n. [Latin: related to contain] continental /,kDnti'nent(a)l/ adj. 1 of or characteristic of a continent. 2 (Continental) of or characteristic of mainland adj.

1

Europe.

continental breakfast n.

light break-

fast of coffee, rolls, etc.

continental quilt n. duvet. continental shelf n. area of shallow seabed bordering a continent.

1

state of being continuous. 2 a logical sequence. 3 detailed scenario of a film or broadcast. 4 linking of broadcast items.

ope, Asia, Africa, N. and S. America, Australia, Antarctica). 2 (the Continent) mainland of Europe as distinct from the British Isles. [Latin: related to 2

fine).

[Latin: related to

/kan'tinjuau/ n.

(pi. -s)

Mus.

accompaniment providing a bass line, played usu. on a keyboard instrument. [Italian]

/kan'tinjuas/ adj. uninterrupted, connected throughout in space continuously adv. [Latin: or time. related to contain]

Usage See note at continual continuous assessment n.

evaluation of a pupil's progress throughout a course of study. continuum /kan'tinjuam/ n. (pi. -nua) thing having a continuous structure. [Latin: related to continuous] contort /kan'to:t/ v. twist or force out of contortion n. its normal shape. [Latin torqueo tort- twist]

:

contortionist tcjanist ru entertainer who adopts contorted postures. contour kontua/n -tl 1 outline. 2 (in full contour Line) line on a map joining points of equal altitude. — r. mark with

contour

contribution

1:_

contortionist

lines. [Italian

coniomare draw

contradistinction snrjkj(am :

n.

Jrontradi

made by

distinction

cr.rrasccr.g

contraflow fkontra^lao

n.

transfer of

from its usual half of the road to the other half by oorrowing one or more traffic

of the other half s lanes.

in outline) -s> member of a counter-revolutionary force in Nicaragua, [abbreviation of Spanish contrarevolucionario counter-revolutionaryl contra- comb, form against, opposite.

contra kontra

ipL

n.

.'La nr.;

contraband

krrrre

smuggler goods

2

-z.

oaenc:

1

illegal

srr.ng.ghr.g:

trade, —adj. forbidden to be imported or exr-crted ^Spanish :rcm Italian. contraception Contra sepj(a)ni n. I

prevention of pregnancy; use of contraceptives, [from CONTRA-. CONCEPTION]

contraceptive

-adj.

kontra'septrv

preventing pregnancy. —n. contraceptive device cr drug C—irarl —n. Trontraekt 1 written or spoken agreement, esp. one enforceable by law. 2 document recording this. -c. kan trsekt 1 make or become smaller. 2

contralto kan traeltao

n. (pL -*) 1 lowest female singing-voice. 2 singer with this voice. [Italian: related to contra-.

altoJ

contraption kantraepjram n. machine or device, esp. a strange or cumbersome one. [origin unknown] contrapuntal kDnrrapAntfa)l adj. contra

Mus. of or in counterpoint.

pun tally

contrariwise cr.

-

zdc. [Italian]

the ether

V.er.

hand

2

trean waiz ode. ir.

the cppcsr.e

contn

1

way

(usu. folL rr.aer.cv

2

Lit

2

wmd»

a (usu. foil, by with) make a contract, b (often folL by out) arrange (work) to be done by contract. 3 become affected by (a disease;. 4 enter into (marriage). 5 incur (a debt etc). • draw together (the muscles,

brow,

etc.),

or be drawn

together, z contract in or out choose to enter (or withdraw from or not enter) a scheme or commirment. [Latin contractus: related to tract ] contractable zdj. (of a disease) that

contrast -z

contract bridge z cndge in which only tricks bid and won count towards contractible contractile

zz; cr.it rar. ce sh rz r.

-cv

-

.-:

fr

:

: rr.

17. (-fling) 1 etchings icnflicc ver.." e n Dn

.-a>

vim/

-

nratra to rate njry.ing

of a

currir.cir.cr.

word or words

ex

raektair)

n.

ract, esp. to

person conduct

tec

rr.

contribute c.

contractor

ne-:

(-ting) (o

rr.cr.ey

rise

etc

2 r.e'.r

n.

(pL

currer.ee

2 cm.-

Trer.ih; l'tnbjurL Tronm.bjurt. 6U. by ro) 1 give (time, errs i ccmrr.cn rrrngaotoit a result ett 3

alsc sisc." crael'it.'jel

zz;

:cr.rract

contrac-

c:

cr

tually ode.

others

:

contributor

Usage

contradict statement). 2 ( (a person). 3

ttrirlirancn

rr.ice cy :c

cr in

r

con-

scresse-d

c:

sidered inc

contribut

IZ.r

F'am

n.

1

trrrccoiter

contributory kan'tribjutari adj. 1 that contributes. 2 using contributions. contrite kDntrait adj. penitent, feeling great guilt, contritely adv. contrition /kan'trij\a)n/ n. [Latin: related to trite] contrivance kan'traiv(a)ns/ n. 1 something contrived, esp. a plan or mechanical device. 2 act of contriving. contrive kan'traiv/ v. (-ving) 1 devise;

make

plan or

resourcefully or with

(often foil, by to age. [French from Latin] skill. 2

+

infin.)

man-

contrived adj. artificial, forced. control kan'traul/ -n. 1 power of directing. 2 power of restraining, esp. selfrestraint. 3 means of restraint. 4 (usu. in pi.) means of regulating. 5 (usu. in pi.) switches and other devices by which a is controlled. 6 place where something is controlled or verified. 7 standard of comparison for checking the results of an experiment, -v. (-11-) 1 have control of, regulate. 2 hold in check. 3 check, verify. in control

machine

foil, by of) directing an activity, out of control no longer manageable, under control being controlled; in order. controllable adj. [medieval Latin, = keep copy of accounts: related

(often

tO

CONTRA-, ROLL]

controller

n. 1 person or thing that controls. 2 person in charge of expend-

iture.

control tower n. tall building at an airport etc. from which air traffic is controlled.

controversial

,kDntra'v3:J\a)l

adj.

causing

or subject to controversy. [Latin: related to controvert]

controversy 'trovasi/ n.

ment or

kan

'kDntra,v3:si,

(pi.

-ies)

prolonged argu-

dispute. [Latin: related to con-

Usage The second

pronunciation,

stressed on the second syllable, is considered incorrect by some people. ''kDntra.vs:!'

v.

dispute,

be well]

convalescent an

illness,

-adj. recovering from -n. convalescent person,

convalescence

convection transfer by

n.

kan'vekj(a)n

heat

n.

upward movement

of a

heated and less dense medium. [Latin veho vect- carry] convector kan'vekta(r) n. heating appliance that circulates warm air by convection. kan'vi:n v. (-ning) 1 summon or arrange (a meeting etc.). 2 assemble. [Latin venio vent- come]

convene

convener n. (also convenor) 1 person who convenes a meeting. 2 senior trade union

a workplace. kan'vi:nians n. 1 state of being convenient; suitability. 2 useful thing. 3 advantage. 4 lavatory, esp. a public one at one's convenience at a time or place that suits one. [Latin: related to convene] convenience food n. food requiring little preparation. convenient adj. 1 a serving one's comfort or interests, b suitable, c free of trouble or difficulty. 2 available or occurring at a suitable time or place. 3 well situated (convenient for the shops), z conveniently adv. convent 'konv(a)nt n. 1 religious community, esp. of nuns, under vows 2 official at

convenience

premises

occupied

by

this.

[Latin:

related to convene] conventicle kan'ventik(a)l n. esp. hist, secret or unlawful religious meeting, esp. of dissenters. [Latin: related to

convene]

contumacious

,kDntju:'meiJas/ adj. stubbornly or wilfully disobedient.

contumacy

'kontjomasi

n.

(pi.

-ies).

[Latin tumeo swell] contumely 'kDnrju:mli

n. 1 insolent or treatment. 2 disgrace. [Latin: related to contumacious]

language

contuse

kan'tju:z v. (-sing) bruise. contusion n. [Latin tundo tus- thump]

conundrum

ka'nAndram/ n. 1 riddle, one with a pun in its answer. 2 hard

question, [origin

conurbation

a n. 1 kan venf(a)n general agreement on social behaviour etc. by implicit majority consent, b a custom or customary practice. 2 conference of people with a common interest. 3 a formal agreement, esp. between States. [Latin: related to

deny. [Latin verto vers- turn]

esp.

several towns and merging suburbs. [Latin urbs city] convalesce .kDnva'les v. (cing) recover health after illness [Latin valeo

convention

trovert]

controvert

converge

183

contributory

unknown] /,kDn3:'beiJ(a)n/

adj. 1 depending on or according with convention. 2 (of a person) bound by social conventions. 3 usual; of agreed significance. 4 not spontaneous or sincere or original. 5 (of conweapons etc.) non nuclear.

ventionalism

extended urban area, esp. consisting of

n.

/-naeliti/ n. (pi -ies).

conventionality conventionally

adv.

kan'v3:d3/ v. (-ging) 1 come together or towards the same point. 2

converge

by on. upon) approach from difconvergence n. ferent directions. convergent adj. [Latin vergo incline] (foil,

n.

convene]

conventional

conversant conversant

kan'v3:s(a)nt/ adj. (foil, by with) well acquainted with. [French: related to converse 1 ] conversation ,kDnv9'seiJ(a)n/ n. 1 informal spoken communication. 2 instance of this. [Latin: related to con-

verse

1

adj. sation. 2 colloquial.

1

of or in conver-

conversation-

ally adv.

conversationalist

n.

person good at

or fond of conversation.

converse

kan'v3:s/ v. (-sing) (often with) talk. [Latin: related to

/'kDnv3:s/ -adj. opposite, contrary, reversed, -n. something, esp. a statement or proposition, that is opposite or reversed, z conversely adv. [Latin: related to convert] conversion /kan'v3:.f(a)n/ n. 1 converting or being converted. 2 converted building or part of this. [Latin: related to

convert] -v. /kan'v3:t/

1

(usu.

foil,

by

change in form or function. 2 cause person) to change belief etc. 3 change (moneys etc.) into others of a different into)

(a

kind. 4 make structural alterations in (a building) for a new purpose. 5 (also absol.) Rugby score extra points from (a try) by a successful kick at the goal, -n. /'knnv3:t/ (often foil, by to) person converted to a different belief etc. [Latin verto vers- turn] convertible /kan'v3:nb(a)l/ -adj. able to be converted, -n. car with a folding or roof, z convertibility [Latin: related to convert] convex /'konveks/ adj. curved like the exterior of a circle or sphere, z convexity /-'veksiti/ n. [Latin] convey /kan'vei/ v. 1 transport or carry

detachable /-'biliti/ n.

(goods, passengers, etc.). 2 communicate (an idea, meaning, etc.). 3 transfer the title to (a property). 4 transmit (sound etc.). z conveyable adj. [Latin via way] conveyance n. 1 conveying or being conveyed. 2 means of transport; vehicle. 3 Law a transfer of property, b document effecting this, z conveyancer n.

sense

3).

conveyancing n.

(in

sense

3).

conveyor n.

(also

conveyer) person or

thing that conveys.

conveyor belt

endless moving belt for conveying articles, esp. in a factory.

convict -v.

n.

/kan'vikt/ 1 (often foil, by of) prove to be guilty (of a crime etc.). 2 declare guilty by a legal process, -n. /'kDnvikt/ chiefly hist, person serving a prison sentence. [Latin vinco vict- con-

quer]

convict]

convince

/kan'vms/ v. (-cing) firmly persuade, z con vincible adj. convincadj.

convincingly

adv.

[Latin:

related to convict]

convivial /kan'vivial/ adj. fond of good company; sociable and lively, z conviviality

/-'aeliti/ n.

[Latin vivo live] n. 1 con-

.konva'keiJXa)^

voking or being convoked. 2 large

mal gathering.

for-

[Latin: related to con-

voke]

converse 2

(in

kan'vikj(a)n/ n. 1 convicting or being convicted. 2 a being convinced, b firm belief. [Latin: related to

convocation

1

by convert]

convert

conviction

ing

]

conversational

foil,

cook-chill

184

convoke

kan'vauk/ v. (-king) formal together; summon to assemble. [Latin voco call] convoluted "kDnva,lu:tid aa[/. 1 coiled, twisted. 2 complex. [Latin volvo volutcall

;

roll]

convolution

/ l

kDnva'lu:J(a)n/

n. 1 coil-

2 coil or twist. 3 complexity. 4 sinuous fold in the surface of the brain.

ing.

convolvulus

/kan'vDlvjolas/ n. (pi -luses) twining plant, esp. bindweed. [Latin] convoy /'kDnvai -n. group of ships, vehicles, etc., travelling together or under escort, -o. escort, esp. with armed force, z in convoy as a group. [French: related to convey] convulse /kan'vAls/ v. (-sing) 1 (usu. in passive) affect with convulsions. 2 cause to laugh uncontrollably, z convulsive adj. convulsively adv. [Latin vello vuls- pull]

convulsion

/kan'vAlJ(a)n/

n. 1

(usu. in

pi) violent irregular motion of the limbs or body caused by involuntary contraction of muscles. 2 violent disturbance. 3 (in pi) uncontrollable laughter. cony /'kauni/ n. (also coney) rabbit fur. [Latin cuniculus] coo -n. soft murmuring sound as of a dove. -v. (coos, cooed) 1 emit a coo. 2 talk or say in a soft or amorous voice. -int. slang expressing surprise or disbelief, [imitative]

cooee

'ku:i:/ n.

& int.

colloq. call

used

to

attract attention, [imitative] cook /kuk/ -v. 1 prepare (food) by heating it. 2 (of food) undergo cooking. 3 colloq. falsify (accounts etc.). 4 (as be

cooking) colloq. be happening or about to happen, -n. person who cooks, esp. professionally or in a specified

way

good cook), z cook up colloq. concoct

(a (a

story, excuse, etc.). [Latin coquus]

cookbook cook-chill etc.) sold in

form.

n.

US cookery book.

attrib. adj. (of food, meals, pre-cooked and refrigerated

cooker cooker

n.

1

appliance or vessel for

(esp. an apple) suitable for cooking. practice of cooking.

cooking food. 2 fruit

cookery n. art or cookery book

n.

book containing

recipes.

cookie colloq.

/'kuki/ n. US 1 sweet biscuit. 2 person (a tough cookie). [Dutch

koekje]

cool -adj.

of or at a fairly low tempercold. 2 suggesting or achieving coolness. 3 calm, unexcited. 4 lacking enthusiasm. 5 unfriendly (a cool reception). 6 calmly audacious. 7 (prec. by a) colloq. at least (cost a cool thousand). 8 slang esp. US marvellous, -n. 1 coolness. 2 cool air or place. 3 slang calmness, composure. -v. (often foil, by ature,

1

fairly

cool off) make or become cool. coolly slang relax, calm down.

down, it

/'ku:lli/

adv. coolness

n.

[Old English]

coolant n. cooling agent, esp. fluid. cool-bag n. (also cool-box) insulated container for keeping food cool. n. 1 vessel in which a thing is cooled. 2 US refrigerator. 3 slang prison

cooler cell.

coolie

unskilled native n. /'ku:li/ labourer in Eastern countries, [perhaps

from Kuli, tribe in India] cooling-ofF period n. interval to allow for a change of mind,

cooling tower

n. tall structure for cooling hot water before reuse, esp. in industry. coomb /ku:m/ n. (also combe) 1 valley on the side of a hill. 2 short valley running up from the coast. [Old Eng-

lish]

coon

n. 1 US racoon. 2 slang offens. Black, [abbreviation] -n. cage for keeping poultry, -v. (often foil, by up, in) confine (a person). [Latin cupa cask] co-op /'kauDp/ n. colloq. cooperative society or shop, [abbreviation] cooper n. maker or repairer of casks, barrels, etc. [Low German or Dutch: related to coop] cooperate /kau'opa.reit/ v. (also co-operate) (-ting) 1 (often foil, by with) work or act together. 2 be helpful and cooperation do as one is asked.

coop

/-'reij(8)n/ n. [related to co-]

cooperative

/kau'Dparativ/ (also co-operative) -adj. 1 willing to cooperate. 2 of or characterized by cooperation. 3 (of a business) owned and run jointly by its members, with profits shared, -n. cooperative farm, society, or business. /kau'Dpt/ v. appoint to membership of a body by invitation of the co-option n. coexisting members.

co-opt

copper

185

optive

adj.

from opto

[Latin coopto

choose]

coordinate

(also co-ordinate) -v. (-ting) 1 cause (parts, movements, etc.) to function together efficiently. 2 work or act together effectively, -adj. /kau'oidmat/ equal in rank or importance, -n. /kau'o:dinat/ 1 Math. each of a system of values used to fix the position of a point, line, or plane. 2 (in pi) matching items of clothing, z coordination / - neij(a)n, n. coordinator /-.neita(r)/ n. [Latin ordino: related to /kau'oidi.neit/

order]

coot n. horny

1 black aquatic bird with a white plate on its forehead. 2 colloq. stupid person, [probably Low German] cop slang —n. 1 police officer. 2 capture or arrest (it's a fair cop), -v. (-pp-) 1 catch or arrest (an offender). 2 receive, suffer. 3 take, seize, z cop it get into trouble; be punished, cop out 1 withdraw; give up. 2 go back on a promise, not much cop of little value or use. [French caper seize] copal /'kaup(a)l/ n. resin of a tropical tree, used for varnish. [Spanish from Aztec] copartner /kau'pa:tna(r)/ n. partner or associate, z copartnership n. cope 1 v. (-ping) (often foil, by with) deal contend; manage. or effectively [French: related to coup] 2 cope -n. priest's long cloaklike vestment, -v. (-ping) cover with a cope or coping. [Latin cappa cap] copeck /'kaupek/ n. (also kopek, kopeck) Russian coin worth onehundredth of a rouble. [Russian kopeika] Copernican system /ka'p3:nikan/ n. theory that the planets (including the earth) move round the sun. [Copernicus, name of an astronomer] copier /'kDpia(r)/ n. machine that copies

(esp.

documents).

copilot

/'kao.pailat/ n.

second

pilot in

an

aircraft.

coping n. top (usu. sloping) course of 2 masonry in a wall, [from cope ] coping saw n. D-shaped saw for cutting curves in wood, [from cope

1

]

coping-stone n. stone used in coping, copious /'kaupias/ adj. 1 abundant. 2 copiously adv. producing much. [Latin copia plenty] n. cowardly evasion. -n. 1 malleable red-brown metallic element. 2 bronze coin. 3 large metal vessel for boiling esp. laundry. -adj. made of or coloured like copper. -v. cover with copper. [Latin cuprum] copper 2 n. slang police officer, [from cop]

cop-out

copper

1

copper beech copper beech

n.

copper-coloured leaves.

copper-bottomed

adj.

1

tom sheathed with copper.

having a bot2 genuine or

reliable.

copperhead n. venomous N. American or Australian snake.

copperplate

1

a polished copper

plate for engraving or etching, b print made from this. 2 ornate style of handwriting. coppice /'kDpis/ n. area of undergrowth and small trees, [medieval Latin: related to coup] copra /'kopra/ n. dried coconut-kernels.

[Portuguese from Malayalam] n. = coppice, [shortened forml n. 1 native Egyptian in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. 2 native Christian of the independent Egyptian Church. [French from Arabic] Coptic -n. language of the Copts, -adj. of the Copts. copula /'kopjula/ n. (pi. -s) connecting word, esp. part of the verb be connecting

copse

Copt

subject and predicate. [Latin]

copulate

v. (-ting) (often of animals) have

/'kDpju.leit/

by with)

foil,

(esp.

copulation

sexual

intercourse. /-'leiJXaW n.

(pi. -ies) 1 thing made to imitate another. 2 single specimen of a publication or issue. 3 material to be printed, esp. regarded as good etc. reading matter (the crisis will make exciting copy), -v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make a copy of. 2 imitate, do the same as. [Latin copia transcript]

n. 1

book containing models

of handwriting for learners to imitate. 2

a exemplary. (attrib.)

copycat

n.

tritely colloq.

conventional,

person

who

b

copies

another, esp. slavishly.

copyist n. person who makes (esp.

writ-

ten) copies.

copyright -n.

exclusive legal right to print, publish, perform, film, or record material, -adj. protected by copyright. -v. secure copyright for (material). copy-typist n. typist who types from documents rather than dictation. copywriter n. person who writes or prepares advertising copy for publication.

coq au vin

/,knk au 'vae/ n. casserole of chicken pieces in wine. [French] coquette /kD'ket/ n. woman who flirts. coquetry /'kDkitn/ n. (pi. -ies).

coquettish adj. [French diminutive: related to cock ] 1

cor

slang expressing surprise [corruption of God] cor- see com-. int.

coracle /'kDrak(a)l/ n. small boat of wickerwork covered with watertight material. [Welsh]

coral

/'kDr(a)l/

-n. hard red, pink, or

white calcareous substance secreted by marine polyps for support and habitation, -adj. 1 red or pink, like coral. 2 made of coral. [Greek korallion] coral island n. (also coral reef) island (or reef) formed by the growth of coral. coralline /'kDra.lam/ -n. seaweed with a hard jointed stem. -adj. of or like coral.

[French and

Italian: related to

coral]

cor anglais anglais

/ko:r 'onglei/ n. (pi. cors /ko:z/) alto woodwind instru-

ment of the oboe corbel /'ko:b(a)l/

family. [French] n. projection of stone, jutting out from a wall to support a weight, c corbelled adj. [Latin corvus crow] cord -n. 1 a flexible material like thick string, made from twisted strands, b piece of this. 2 similar structure in the body. 3 a ribbed fabric, esp. corduroy, b (in pi.) corduroy trousers. 4 electric flex. -v. 1 fasten or bind with cord. 2 (as corded adj.) (of cloth) ribbed. [Greek

timber,

etc.,

khorde string]

cordial

copy /'kDpi/ -n.

copybook

core

186

variety of beech with

etc.

/'ko:dial/ -adj. 1 heartfelt. 2 friendly, -n. fruit-flavoured drink.

cordiality

n.

/-'aeliti/

cordially adv.

[Latin cor cord- heart]

cordite

/'ko:dait/ n. smokeless explos[from cord, because of its appearance] cordless adj. (of a hand-held electrical device) usable without a power cable because working from an internal source of energy or battery. cordon /'ko:d(a)n/ -n. 1 line or circle of police, soldiers, guards, etc., esp. preventing access. 2 ornamental cord or braid. 3 fruit-tree trained to grow as a single stem. -v. (often foil, by off) enclose or separate with a cordon of police etc. [Italian and French: related to cord] cordon bleu /,ko:dDn 'bl3:/ Cookery -adj. of the highest class, -n. cook of this class. [French]

ive,

cordon sanitaire n. 1

guarded

/,ko:d5 ,saeni'tea(r)/

between infected and measure 2 districts.

line

uninfected designed to prevent the spread of undesirable influences.

corduroy

/'kotfa.roi/ n. 1 thick cotton fabric with velvety ribs. 2 (in pi.) corduroy trousers, [cord = ribbed fabric] core -n. 1 horny central part of certain fruits, containing the seeds. 2 central or most important part of anything (also attrib.: core curriculum). 3 inner central region of the earth. 4 part of a

co-respondent reactor

[origin unknown] co-respondent /,k8uri'spDnd(8)nt/

n.

person cited in a divorce case as having committed adultery with the respondent. /'ko:gi/ n. (pi. -s) dog of a shortlegged breed with a foxlike head. [Welsh] coriander / kDn'aend8(r)/ n. 1 aromatic plant. 2 its seeds used for flavouring. [Greek koriannon] Corinthian /ka'rmGian/ adj. 1 of ancient Corinth in southern Greece. 2 Archit. of the order characterized by ornate decoration and acanthus leaves.

corgi

1

from Greek] cork-rc. 1 buoyant light-brown bark of a S. European oak. 2 bottle-stopper of [Latin

etc. 3 float of cork. 4 (attrib.) made of cork. -v. (often foil, by up) 1 stop or confine. 2 restrain (feelings etc.). [Spanish alcorque]

cork

corkage n. charge made by a restaurant etc. for serving a customer's own wine etc.

corked

adj. 1 stopped with a cork. 2 (of wine) spoilt by a decayed cork. corker n. slang excellent person or

thing.

corkscrew

-n. 1 spiral device for extracting corks from bottles. 2 (often attrib.) thing with a spiral shape, -i>.

move

spirally; twist.

corm n. underground swollen stem base of some plants. [Greek kormos lopped tree-trunk] cormorant /'koimarant/ n. diving sea bird with black plumage. [Latin corvus marinus sea-raven] corn 1 /*. 1 a cereal before or after harvesting, esp. the chief crop of a region, b grain or seed of a cereal plant. 2 colloq. something corny or trite. [Old English] corn 2 n. small tender area of horny skin, esp. on the toe. [Latin cornu horn] corn-cob n. cylindrical centre of a maize ear on which the grains grow. corncrake n. rail inhabiting grassland

and nesting on the ground. corn dolly n. figure of plaited straw.

cornea

/'ko:nia/ n. transparent circular corpart of the front of the eyeball. neal adj. [medieval Latin: related to

CORN 2 ]

corned

adj. (esp. of beef)

salt or brine,

[from corn

corollary

187

containing fissile material. 5 hist, structural unit in a computer, storing one bit of data (see 4 bit ). 6 inner strand of an electric cable. 7 piece of soft iron forming the centre of an electromagnet or induction coil. —v. (-ring) remove the core from. corer n.

nuclear

1

]

preserved in

cornelian nelian

(also cardull red variety of chal-

/ko:'ni:li8n/

/ka:-/)

n.

cedony. [French] -n. 1 place where converging sides or edges meet. 2 projecting angle, esp. where two streets meet. 3 internal space or recess formed by the meeting of two sides, esp. of a room. 4 difficult position, esp. one with no escape. 5 secluded place. 6 region or quarter, esp. a remote one. 7 action or result of buying or controlling the whole stock of a commodity. 8 Boxing & Wrestling corner of the ring where a contestant rests between rounds. 9 Football & Hockey free kick or hit from the corner of a pitch, -v. 1 force into a difficult or inescapable position. 2 establish a corner in (a commodity). 3 (esp. of or in a vehicle) go round a corner. [Latin:

corner

related to

corn 2 ]

cornerstone n.

1 a stone in the projecting angle of a wall, b foundation-stone. 2 indispensable part or basis. cornet /'ko nit/ n. 1 brass instrument resembling a trumpet but shorter and wider. 2 conical wafer for holding ice-

cornetist

cream.

cornettist).

CORN

/ko:'netist/ n. (also

[Latin cornu:

related to

2 ]

cornflake

n. 1 (in pi.) breakfast cereal of toasted maize flakes. 2 flake of this

cereal.

cornflour maize or

n.

fine-ground flour, esp. of

rice.

cornflower

n. plant with deep-blue flowers originally growing among corn.

ornamental mouldround a room just below the ceiling or as the topmost part of an entablature. [French from Italian]

cornice

/'ko:nis/ n.

ing, esp.

Cornish /'ko:niJ7 -adj.

of Cornwall, -n.

Celtic language of Cornwall.

Cornish pasty n.

pastry envelope con-

meat and vegetables. corn on the cob n. maize cooked and eaten from the corn-cob. cornucopia /.komju'kaupia/ n. 1 horn overflowing with flowers, fruit, and corn, as a symbol of plenty. 2 abundant 2 copisupply. [Latin: related to corn taining

,

ous]

corny

adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq.

1

banal. 2

humorous. 3 sentimental, cornily adv. corniness n. [from CORN corolla /ka'rnla/ n. whorl of petals formfeebly 1

]

ing the inner envelope of a flower. [Latin diminutive of corona]

corollary /ka'mlan/

n. (pi. -ies) 1 proposition that follows from one already proved. 2 (often foil, by of) natural = gratuity: [Latin, consequence. related to corolla]

corona

ka'rauna it (pi. -nae -ni: ) 1 a halo round the sun or moon, b gaseous envelope of the sun. seen as an area of light around the moon during a total solar eclipse. 2 Anat. crownlike structure. 3 crownlike outgrowth from the inner side of a corolla. 4 glow around an electric conductor. coronal adj.

= crown]

[Latin.

coronary

'kuranari

-adj.

Anat.

resembling or encircling like a crown. -71. (pi. -ieS) = CORONARY THROMBOSIS. [Latin: related to corona] coronary artery n. artery supplying blood to the heart. coronary thrombosis n. blockage caused by a blood clot in a coronary artery.

coronation ,kDra'neiJ(a)n n. ceremony of crowning a sovereign or consort,

[medieval Latin: related to co-

rona]

coroner

'kDrana(r) n. official holding inquests on deaths thought to be violent or accidental. [Anglo-French: related to

crown]

coronet

'kuranit

n.

1

small crown. 2

circlet of precious materials, esp. as a

headdress. [French diminutive: related to

crown]

corpora pi of corpus. corporal 'ko:pr(a)l n. non-commissioned army or air-force officer ranking 1

next below sergeant. [French from

It-

alian]

corporal 2

human body,

'ko:par(a)l

adj.

z corporality

of -'rseliti

the n.

[Latin corpus body]

corporal punishment

n.

physical

punishment.

corporate

'ko:parat adj. 1 forming a corporation. 2 of. belonging to, or united in a group. [Latin: related to cor-

poral 2

]

corporation ,ka:pa'reijXa)n n. 1 group of people authorized to act as an individual, esp. in business. 2 municipal authorities of a borough, town, or city. 3 joc. large stomach. corporative 'ka:paratrv/ adj. 1 of a corporation. 2 governed by or organized in corporations. corporeal ko:'po:rial adj. bodily, physical, material, z corporeality corporeally adv. [Latin: -'aeliti n. 2 related to corporal ] corps ka:(r) n. (pi. corps ka:z ) 1 a body of troops with special duties (intelligence corps), b main subdivision of an army in the field. 2 body of people engaged in a special activity (diplomatic corps). [French: related to

corpse]

correspondence

188

corona

corps de ballet ensemble

of

,ko: da dancers

'ba^lei

in

n.

a

group ballet.

[French]

corpse

dead body.

n.

[Latin: related to

corpus]

corpulent

'ka.pjulant adj. physically bulky; fat. z corpulence n. [Latin: related to corpus] corpus 'ka:pas n. (pi. -pora) body or

collection of writings, texts, etc. [Latin,

= body]

corpuscle

'ko:pAS(a)l

n.

minute body

or cell in an organism, esp. (in pi.) the red or white cells in the blood of vertebrates, z corpuscular -'pAskjola(r)/ adj. [Latin diminutive of corpus] corral ka'ra:l -n. 1 US pen for cattle, horses, etc. 2 enclosure for capturing wild animals, -u. (-11-) put or keep in a

[Spanish

corral.

and

Portuguese:

related to kraal] correct ka'rekt -adj. 1 true, accurate. 2 proper, in accordance with taste or a standard, -v. 1 set right; amend. 2 mark errors in. 3 substitute a right thing for (a wrong one). 4 a admonish (a person), b punish (a person or fault). 5 counteract (a harmful quality). 6 adjust (an instrument etc.). z correctly adv. correctness n. corrector n. [Latin rego rectguide] correction ka'rekj(a)n n. 1 correcting or being corrected. 2 thing substituted for what is wrong. 3 archaic punishment, z correctional adj. [Latin: related to correct] correctitude ka'rekti,tju:d n. consciously correct behaviour, [from correct, rectitude] corrective -adj. serving to correct or counteract something harmful, -n. corrective measure or thing. [Latin: related to

correct]

correlate 'kora.leit/ -v. (-ting) (usu. foil, by with, to) have or bring into a mutual relation or dependence, -n. each of two related or complementary things,

correlation

z

-'leij(a)n/

n.

[medieval Latin correlation

correlative /ka'relativ, -adj. 1 (often foil, by with, to) having a mutual rewords) corresponding to each other and used together (as neither

lation. 2 (of

and

word or thing. .kori'spond/ v. 1 a (usu. be similar or equivalent, b by with, to) be in agreement,

nor), -n. correlative

correspond foil,

(usu.

by

to)

foil,

not contradict. 2 (usu. foil, by with) exchange letters, z correspondingly adv. [French from medieval Latin]

correspondence similarity. 2 a letters.

n. 1 agreement or exchange of letters, b

correspondence course correspondence course

n.

study conducted by post. correspondent n. 1 person who writes letters. 2 person employed to write or report for a newspaper or for broadcasting etc.

corridor

/'kDn.dotfr)/ n. 1

passage

giv-

ing access into rooms. 2 passage in a train giving access into compartments. 3 strip of territory of one State passing through that of another. 4 route which an aircraft must follow, esp. over a foreign country. [French from Italian] corridors of power n.pl places where covert influence is said to be exerted in

government.

corrigendum

/.kDri'gendam/

n.

(pi.

corrigendum] /ka'roba.reit/

v.

(-ting)

confirm or give support to (a statement or

corroboration etc.). n. corroborative /-rativ/ corroborator n. [Latin robur

belief

/-'reij(a)n/

adj.

strength] /ka'raud/ v. (-ding) 1 a wear away, esp. by chemical action, b decay. 2 destroy gradually. [Latin rodo ros-

corrode gnaw]

corrosion

/ka'rau3(a)n/ n. 1 corroding or being corroded. 2 corroded area.

corrosive

corrugate

adj.

& n.

/'kDra.geit/

v.

(-ting) (esp. as

corrugated adj.) form into alternate ridges and grooves, esp. to strengthen corrugation (corrugated iron). /-'geij(9)n/ n. [Latin ruga wrinkle]

corrupt /ka'rApt/ -ac(/.

dishonest, esp.

1

using bribery. 2 immoral; wicked. 3 (of a text etc.) made unreliable by errors or alterations, -u. make or become corrupt. ibility

/-

corruptible adj. corruptcorruption n. coradv. corruptly

biliti/ n.

adj. ruptive corruptness n.

[Latin

rumpo

rupt-

/'ko:teks/ n. (pi. -tices

/-ti,si:z

)

outer part of an organ, esp. of the brain or kidneys. cortical /-tik(a)l/ adj. [Latin, = bark]

cortisone esp. in allergy,

/'ko:ti,zaun/ n.

hormone used

treating inflammation and [abbreviation of chemical

name]

corundum

/ka'rAndam/

n.

extremely

hard crystallized alumina, used esp. as an abrasive. [Tamil from Sanskrit]

coruscate sparkle.

/'kDra.skeit/

coruscation

v.

(-ting)

/-'skeij(a)n/ n.

[Latin]

corvette

1 small naval warship with one tier of guns. [French from Dutch] corymb /'konmb/ n. flat-topped cluster of flowers with the outer flower-stalks proportionally longer. [Latin from Greek] cos n. lettuce with crisp narrow leaves. [Kos, Greek island]

/ko:'vet/

n.

1

COS 2 cos 3

/kDZ/ abbr. cosine. /kaz/ conj. colloq. because, [abbreviation] cosec /'kausek/ abbr. cosecant. cosecant /kau'si:kant/ n. Math, ratio of

the hypotenuse (in a right-angled triangle) to the side opposite an acute angle. 1 colloq. -n. heavy blunt weapon. -v. hit with a cosh, [origin unknown] 2 cosh /kDj, kDs'eitJV abbr. hyperbolic cosine. co-signatory /kao'signatan/ n. (pi. -ies) person or State signing a treaty etc. jointly with others. cosine /'kausain/ n. ratio of the side adjacent to an acute angle (in a rightangled triangle) to the hypotenuse. cosmetic /kDz'metik/ -adj. 1 beautifying, enhancing. 2 superficially improving or beneficial. 3 (of surgery or a prosthesis) imitating, restoring, or enhancing normal appearance, -n. cosmetic preparation, esp. for the face, cosmetically adv. [Greek, = orna-

cosh

ment] 1 of the cosmos or universal (of cosmic significance). 2 of or for space travel. cosmic rays n.pl. high-energy radiations from space etc. cosmogony /kDz'mogani/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 origin of the universe. 2 theory about this. [Greek -gonia -begetting] cosmology /kDz'mDlad3i/ n. science or theory of the universe. cosmological

cosmic /'kozmik/ adj.

break]

corsage /ko:'sa:3/ worn by women.

n.

small bouquet

[French: related to

CORPSE]

corsair

cortex

escort-vessel. 2 hist,

-da) error to be corrected. [Latin corrigo: related to correct] corrigible /'kDnd3ib(a)l/ adj. 1 able to corbe corrected. 2 submissive. rigibly adv. [medieval Latin: related to

corroborate

cosmonaut

189

course of

/'ko:sea(r)/ n. 1 pirate ship. 2

pirate. [French: related to course]

corselette /'ka:slit/ n. combined corset and bra. [French corslet armour covering trunk] n. closely-fitting underto shape the body or to corsetry n. injury. after support it [French diminutive: related to corpse] cortege /ko:'tei3/ n. procession, esp. for

corset /'ko:sit/ garment worn

a funeral. [French]

its scale:

1

1

/-malDd3ik(a)l/ adj. cosmologist n. [from cosmos, -logy] cosmonaut /'kDzma,no:t/ n. Soviet astronaut, [from cosmos, Greek nautes sailor]

cosmopolitan

world. 2 free from national limitations or prejudices, -n. cosmopolitan person.

cosmopolitanism

[Greek polites

n.

citizen]

cosmos kozmos

n. the universe as a well-ordered whole. [Greek] kusa?k rt member of a people of southern Russia. [Turki quzzaq)

Cossack cosset

'kDsit

r.

(-t-)

pamper,

[dialect

cosset =

pet lamb, probably from Old English. = cottager] cost -i'. {past and past part, cost) 1 be obtainable for (a sum of money): have as a price. 2 involve as a loss or sacrifice (it cost him his life). 3 {past and past part. costed) fix or estimate the cost of. -n. 1 what a thing costs; price. 2 loss or sacrifice. 3 (in pi) legal expenses, z at all costs (or at any cost) whatever the cost or risk may be. [Latin consto stand at a price] costal 'kust(e)l adj. of the ribs. [Latin costa rib]

cost-effective

adj. effective in relation

to its cost.

costermonger kDste mArjga(r) person who sells produce from a ,

1

rt

barrelated to

row, [costard large apple: COSTAL] rt estimation of cost(s). kDstiv adj. constipated. [Latin: related to constipate]

costing costive costly

adj.

(-ier.

-iest) costing

expensive, z costliness

much:

rt

cost of living

rt level of prices esp. of basic necessities. cost price rt price paid for a thing by

one who later

sells

it.

costume

'kostjium -n. 1 style of dress, esp. of a particular place or time. 2 set of clothes. 3 clothing for a particular ac-

(swimming-costume). 4 actor's clothes for a part. -i\ (-ming) provide with a costume. [Latin: related to custom] costume jewellery it artificial jewel tivity

lery.

costumier who makes

kD'stju:mi8(r) n. person or deals in costumes. [French: related to costume]

cosy

kauzi (US cozy)- adj.

(-ier. -iest)

comfortable and warm: snug. -n. (pL -ies) cover to keep a teapot etc. hot. [origin cosiness cosily adv. rt

unknown] cot

small bed with high sides for a ii baby. 2 small light bed. [Hindi] 2 cot n. 1 small shelter; cote. 2 poet. cottage. [Old English] cot J abbr. cotangent. 1

1

cotangent

cough

190

cosmopolitan .kuzma'puhuem — adj. 1 of. from, or knowing many parts of the

kau'ta?nd3(a)nt rt ratio of the side adjacent to an acute angle (in a

right-angled triangle) to the opposite side.

cot-death

rt unexplained death of a sleeping baby. rt shelter for animals or birds. [Old English] coterie 'keuton n. exclusive group of people sharing interests. [French]

cote

cotoneaster

ka,taoni*sesta(r) n. shrub bearing usu. bright red berries. [Latin cotoneum quince] cottage 'kutidj n. small simple house, esp. in the country. [Anglo-French: 2

related to cot

]

cottage cheese

rt soft white lumpy cheese made from skimmed milk curds. cottage industry rt business activity carried on at home. cottage pie rt dish of minced meat topped with mashed potato. cottager ft person who lives in a cot-

tage. it 1 bolt or wedge for securing parts of machinery etc. 2 (in full cotter pin) split pin that can be opened after passing through a hole, [origin

cotter

unknown] cotton 'kotom

rt 1 soft white fibrous substance covering the seeds of certain plants. 2 such a plant. 3 thread or cloth from this, z cotton on (often foil, by to) colloq. begin to understand. [French from Arabic] cotton wool n. fluffy wadding of a kind

orig. made from raw cotton, cotyledon koti li:d(a)n rt embryonic

leaf in seed-bearing kotule cup]

couch

plants.

[Greek

1

-n. 1 upholstered piece of furniture for several people: sofa. 2 long padded seat with a headrest at one end. -v. 1 (foil, by in) express in (certain terms). 2 archaic (of an animal) lie. esp. in its lair. [Latin colloco lay in place] couch : kautj. ku:tj rt (in full couch grass) a grass with long creeping roots, [var. of quitch]

couchette

ku:'Jet n. 1 railway carriage with seats convertible into sleeping-berths. 2 berth in this. [French. = little bed]

couch potato

rt

US slang person who

likes lazing at home, 'ku:ga(r) rt

cougar

US puma. [French

from Guarani]

cough

kuf -v. 1 expel air etc. from the lungs with a sudden sharp sound. 2 (off an engine etc.) make a similar sound. 3 slang confess, -n. 1 act of coughing. 2 condition of respiratory organs causing cough up 1 eject with coughing. coughs. 2 slang bring out or give (money or information) reluctantly, [imitative, related to Dutch kuchen]

cough mixture cough mixture

n.

relieve a cough. could past of can 1 v. colloq. feel inclined to (/ could murder him). couldn't /'kud(a)nt/ contr. could not. coulomb /'kuilom/ n. SI unit of electric charge. [Coulomb, name of a physicist] coulter /'kaulta(r)/ n. (US colter) vertical blade in front of a ploughshare. [Latin culter knife] council /'kaons(a)l/ n. 1 a advisory, deliberative, or administrative body, b meeting of such a body. 2 a local administrative body of a parish, district, town, etc. b (attrib.) provided by a local council (council flat). [Latin concilium] councillor n. member of a (esp. local) council. council tax n. proposed new local tax ,

based on the value of a property and the number of people living in it, to replace the community charge. counsel /'kaons(a)l/ -n.

1

keep one's own counsel not confide in others, take counsel (usu. counselling n. foil, by with) consult. [Latin consilium] action).

counsellor

n. (US counselor) 1 adperson giving professional guidance on personal problems. 3 US barris-

viser. 2 ter.

counsel of perfection

n.

ideal but

impracticable advice. of,

1

-v.

esp.

1

count 1 defeated.

determine the total number by assigning successive

'numbers. 2 repeat numbers in ascending order. 3 (often foil, by in) include or be included in one's reckoning or plan. 4 consider or regard to be (lucky etc.). 5 (often foil, by for) have value; matter 1 a (my opinion counts for little). counting or being counted, b total of reckoning. 2 Law each charge in an count against be reckindictment. oned to the disadvantage of. count one's blessings be grateful for what

one has. count on (or upon) rely on; expect, count out 1 count while taking from a stock. 2 complete a count of ten seconds over (a fallen boxer etc.). 3 colloq. exclude, disregard.

4 Polit. pro-

cure the adjournment of (the House of Commons) when fewer than 40 members are present, count up find the sum of. keep count take note of how many there have been etc. lose count forget the number etc. counted, out for the

2 unconscious; asleep.

compute] count n. foreign noble corresponding to an earl. [Latin comes companion] countable adj. 1 that can be counted. 2 Gram, (of a noun) that can form a plural or be used with the indefinite article. countdown n. 1 act of counting backwards to zero, esp. at the launching of a rocket etc. 2 period immediately before an event. [Latin: related to 2

countenance

/'kauntmans/ -n. 1 the face or facial expression. 2 composure. 3 moral support, -v. (-cing) support, approve. [French: related to contain] counter 1 n. 1 long flat-topped fitment in a shop etc., across which business is conducted. 2 a small disc for playing or scoring in board-games etc. b token representing a coin. 3 apparatus for counting. under the counter surrepesp.

titiously,

advice, esp. formally given. 2 consultation for advice. 3 (pi. same) legal adviser, esp. a barrister; body of these, -v. (-11-; US -1-) 1 advise (a person). 2 give esp. professional advice to (a person) on personal problems. 3 recommend (a course of

count

countermeasure

191

liquid medicine to

COUNT

[related

illegally,

to

1

]

counter2

a oppose, contradict, b meet by countermove. 2 Boxing give a return blow while parrying, -adv. in the opposite direction or manner, -adj. parry; countermove. opposite, -n. [related to counter-] counter- comb, form denoting: 1 retaliation, opposition, or rivalry (counterthreat). 2 opposite direction (counterclockwise). 3 correspondence (counter[Latin contra countersign). part; -d.

1

against]

counteract

/.kaunta'raekt/

hinder or

v.

coun-

neutralize by contrary action,

teraction

n.

counteractive

adj.

counter-attack -n. attack in reply to a preceding attack, -v. attack in reply. weight or -n. influence balancing another, -v. (-cing) act as a counterbalance to.

counterbalance

counter-clockwise adv.

'klokwaiz/

&

adj.

/.kaunta anti-

US =

clockwise.

counter-espionage 'espia,na:3/

enemy

n.

action

taken

/.kauntar against

spying.

/'kauntafit/ -adj. made in imitation; not genuine; forged, -n. a forgery or imitation. -v. imitate fraudulently; forge. [French] counterfoil n. part of a cheque, receipt, etc., retained by the payer as a record,

counterfeit

2 [from foil

]

counter-intelligence

/.kauntann

'tehd3(a)ns/ n. « counter-espionage. countermand /,kaonta'ma:nd/ -v. 1 revoke (a command). 2 recall by a contrary order, -n. order revoking a previous one. [Latin: related to mandate] countermeasure n. action taken to

counteract a danger, threat,

etc.

countermove countermove

move

n.

or action in

opposition to another.

'kaunta.pem n. bedspread, [medieval Latin culcita puncta quilted mattress] counterpart n. 1 person or thing like another or forming the complement or equivalent to another. 2 duplicate. counterpoint 'kaanta.point n. 1 a art or practice of combining melodies according to fixed rules, b melody combined with another. 2 contrasting argument, plot, literary theme, etc. [medi-

contrapunctum

marked

'kaonta.poiz

-rc.

1

counterbalance. 2 state of equilibrium. -v. (-sing) counterbalance. [Latin pensum weight] counter-productive .kaontapra 'cL\ktiv adj. having the opposite of the desired effect.

counter-revolution

,kaunta,reva revolution opposing a former one or reversing its results. countersign — n add a signature to (a document already signed by another). -n. 1 password spoken to a person on guard. 2 mark used for identification n.

etc. [Italian:

related to sign]

countersink

r. (past and past part. -sunk) 1 shape (the rim of a hole) so that a screw or bolt can be inserted flush with the surface. 2 sink (a screw etc.) in such a hole.

counter-tenor

n. 1

male

alto singing-

voice. 2 singer with this voice. [Italian: related to contra-] countervail 'kaonta.veil v. literary counterbalance. 2 (often foil, by 1 successfully. usu. against) oppose,

[Latin valeo have worth]

counterweight

n.

counterbalancing

weight.

wife or widow of a count or earl. 2 woman holding the rank of count or earl. [Latin comitissa: 2 related to count ] countless adj. too many to be counted. countrified 'kAntn.faid adj. rustic in manner or appearance. country 'k\ntn n. {pi. -ies) 1 territory of a nation; State. 2 (often attrib.) rural districts as opposed to towns or the capital. 3 land of a person's birth or citizenship. 4 region with regard to its aspect, associations, etc. {mountainous country; Hardy country). 5 national population, esp. as voters, [medieval Latin contrata (terra) (land) lying op-

countess

sporting and social

n.

country dance

traditional dance. with couples facing

n.

esp. English, usu.

each other in

lines.

countryman n. 1

(Jem.

countrywoman)

person living in a rural area. 2 (also

fellow-countryman) person of one's

own country. country music

n.

=

country and

WESTERN.

countryside n. country-wide

rural areas. & adv. extending

adj.

throughout a nation.

county

counterpoise

'lu:J\a)n

country club

club in a rural setting,

counterpane

eval Latin opposite]

courageous

192

'kaontis

n. 1

posite]

country-and-western

n.

type of folk in the

music originated by Whites southern US.

'kaunti -n. (pi. -ies) 1 territordivision in some countries, forming the chief unit of local administration. 2 US political and administrative division of a State, -adj. of or like the gentry. 2 [Latin comitatus: related to count ] county council n. elected governing body of an administrative county. county court n. judicial court for civil cases. county town n. administrative capital of a county. coup ku: n. (pi. -s ku:z ) 1 successful stroke or move. 2 = coup d'etat. [medieval Latin colpus blow] ial

coup de grace

,ku:

da 'grcus

n. finish-

ing stroke. [French]

coup d'etat

,ku: dei'ta:/ n. (pi.

coups

d'etat pronunc. same) violent or illegal seizure of power. [French] coupe 'ku.pei n. (US coupe ku:p')car with a hard roof, two doors, and usu. a sloping rear. [French couper cut] couple 'kAp(a)l -n. 1 a two (a couple of girls), b about two (a couple of hours). 2 a two people who are married to. or in a sexual relationship with, each other, b pair of partners in a dance etc. — v. (-ling) 1 link together. 2 associate in thought or speech. 3 copulate. [Latin

copula]

couplet 'kApht n. two successive lines of verse, usu. rhyming and of the same length. [French diminutive: related to

couple]

coupling

'kAplirj n. 1 link connecting railway carriages etc. 2 device for connecting parts of machinery. coupon 'ku:pDn n. 1 form etc. as an application for a purchase etc. 2 entry form for a football pool or other competition. 3 discount voucher given with a purchase. [French couper cut] courage 'kAnds n. ability to disregard courage of one's confear, bravery, victions courage to act on one*s beliefs.

[Latin cor heart] ka'reid3as courageously adv.

courageous

adj. brave, z

courgette courgette

marrow. [French]

courier /'kuri8(r)/ n. to guide

and

person employed

assist tourists. 2 special

messenger. [Latin curro curs- run] /ko:s/ -n. 1 onward movement or progression. 2 direction taken (changed course). 3 stretch of land or water for races; golf-course. 4 series of

lessons etc. in a particular subject. 5 each successive part of a meal. 6 sequence of medical treatment etc. 7 line of conduct. 8 continuous horizontal layer of masonry, brick, etc. 9 channel in which water flows, -v. (-sing) 1 (esp. of liquid) run, esp. fast. 2 (also absol.) in use hounds to hunt (esp. hares). course of in the process of. in the course of during, of course naturally; as is or was to be expected; admittedly. [Latin cursus: related to courier] courser n. poet, swift horse, court /ko:t/ -n. 1 (in full court of law) a

body hearing legal cases, b = courtroom. 2 quadrangular area for

judicial

games (tennis-court; squash-court). 3 a yard surrounded by houses with entry from the street, b = courtyard. 4 a the residence, retinue, and courtiers of a sovereign, b sovereign and councillors, constituting the ruling power, c assembly held by a sovereign; State reception. 5 attention paid to a person whose

favour etc. is sought (paid court to her), -v. 1 a try to win affection or favour of. b pay amorous attention to. 2 seek to win (applause, fame, etc.). 3 invite (misgo to court fortune) by one's actions. take legal action, out of court 1 without reaching trial. 2 not worthy of consideration. [Latin: related to cohort] n. playing-card that is a king, queen, or jack, adj. polite, consid/'k3:ti8s/ courteous courteously adv. courteouserate. ness n. [French: related to court] courtesan /.koiti'zaen/ n. prostitute,

court-card

esp. one with wealthy or upper-class clients. [Italian: related to court]

courtesy /'k3:tasi/ n. (pi. -ies) courteous behaviour or act. by courtesy of with the formal permission related to courteous]

of.

courtesy

[French:

light n. light in switched on by opening a door,

a

car

n. 1

/'ko:ti8(r)/ n.

person

tends a sovereign's court. French: related to court]

courtly fined.

who

at-

[Anglo-

adj. (-ier, -iest) dignified, re-

courtliness

n.

members

/,ko:t 'ma:J(a)l/

of the

(court-martial)

court order

n.

armed

-tl

(pi.

(-11-;

US

services, -u. -1-) try by this,

direction issued by a

court or judge.

courtroom n. room in which a court of law meets.

courtship

n. 1 courting, wooing. 2 courting behaviour of animals, birds,

etc.

court shoe n. woman's light, usu.

highheeled, shoe with a low-cut upper. courtyard n. area enclosed by walls or buildings. couscous /'ku:sku:s/ n. N. African dish of crushed wheat or coarse flour steamed over broth, often with meat or fruit added. [French from Arabic]

cousin

/'kAz(8)n/ n.

1

(also first

cousin)

child of one's uncle or aunt. 2 person of a kindred race or nation. [Latin consobrinus]

Usage There is often some confusion as to the difference between cousin, first cousin, second cousin, first cousin once removed, etc. For definitions see cousin, second cousin and remove v. 5. couture

/ku:'tjoa(r)/

n.

design

manufacture of fashionable

and

clothes.

[French]

couturier

/ku:'tju8ri,ei/

n.

fashion

designer.

cove

1

-n. 1 small bay or creek. 2 sheltered recess. 3 moulding, esp. at the junction of a wall and a ceiling, -v. (-ving) 1 provide (a room etc.) with a cove. 2 slope (the sides of a fireplace) inwards. [Old English] cove 2 n. slang fellow, chap, [cant: origin

unknown]

coven /'kAv(a)n/ n. assembly of witches, [related to

convent]

covenant

/'kAvanant/ -n. 1 agreement; contract. 2 Law sealed contract, esp. a 3 (Covenant) Bibl. covenant. deed of agreement between God and the Israelites, -v. agree, esp. by legal covenant. [French: related to convene] Coventry / kovantn/ n. send a person to Coventry refuse to associate with or speak to a person. [Coventry in

England] 1 (often foil, by with) protect or conceal with a cloth, lid, etc. 2 a extend over; occupy the whole surface of. b (often foil, by with) strew thickly or thoroughly, c lie over. 3 a protect; clothe, b (as covered adj.) wearing a hat; having a roof. 4 include; comprise; deal with. 5 travel (a specified distance). 6 describe as a reporter. 7 be enough to defray (£20 should cover it). 8 a refl. take

cover /'kAva(r)/-i;.

building in which a judicial court is held. 2 US building containing the administrative offices of a county.

courtier

court martial

courts martial) judicial court trying 1

course

court-house

cover

193

/kua'3et/ n. small vegetable

coverage oneself, b (absol.; for.

9 a

b (of a fortress, guns,

etc. at.

mand

aim a gun etc.) com-

exposed by being able to return fire. 10 a esp. Cricket stand behind (another player) to stop any missed balls, b mark (an opposing player). 11 (of a stallion (territory), c protect (an

person

etc.)

copulate with. -n. 1 thing that covers, esp.: a lid. b book's binding, c either board of this, d envelope or wrapping (under separate cover). 2 shelter. 3 a pretence; screen, b pretended identity, c Mil. supporting force protecting an advance party from attack. 4 a funds, etc.)

esp. obtainable from insurance to meet a liability or secure against loss, b insurance protection (third-party cover). 5 person acting as a substitute. 6 placesetting at table. 7 Cricket = coverpoint. cover up completely cover or

conceal, take cover find shelter. [Latin cooperio] coverage n. 1 area or amount covered. 2 amount of publicity received by an

event

etc.

n. esp. US 1 thing that covers entirely. 2 (usu. in pi.) full-length protective garment.

coverall

cover charge

n.

service charge per

head in a restaurant, nightclub, etc. cover girl n. female model appearing on magazine covers etc. covering letter n. (also covering note) explanatory letter sent with an enclosure.

coverlet /'kAvalit/ n. bedspread. [AngloFrench: related to cover,

cover note

n.

temporary

lit

cover-point

Cricket 1 fielding position covering point. 2 fielder at this position. cover story n. news story in a magazine that is advertised etc. on the front cover. covert /'kAvat/ -adj. secret or disguised (covert glance), -n. 1 shelter, esp. a thicket hiding game. 2 feather covering the base of a bird's flight-feather. covertly adv. [French: related to n.

cover]

cover-up n. concealment of facts. covet /'kAvit/ v. (-t-) desire greatly

(esp.

a thing belonging to another person). [French: related to Cupid]

covetous /'kA vitas/ adj. coveting; grasping, n

cubo

cow

(usu. foil, by of) covetously adv.

brood of partgroup of people. [Latin

/'kAvi/ n. (pi. -s) 1

ridges. 2 small lie]

n. 1 fully grown female of any esp. domestic bovine animal, used as a source of milk and beef. 2 female of 1

other large animals, esp. the elephant, whale, and seal. 3 derog. slang woman. [Old English] cow 2 v. intimidate or dispirit. [Old Norse]

coward /'kauad/ n.

person

frightened. [Latin cauda

cowardice

who is easily

tail]

/'kauadis/

lack

n.

of

bravery.

cowardly

of or like a coward; lacking courage. 2 (of an action) done against one who cannot retaliate.

cowbell

adj.

1

worn round a cow's

bell

n.

neck.

cowboy n. tends

cowgirl) person who the western US. 2 unscrupulous or incompetent 1 (fern,

cattle, esp. in

colloq.

person in business. v. crouch or shrink back in fear

cower

or distress. [Low German] person who tends cattle, 1 cow's hide. 2 leather or

cowherd n. cowhide n.

whip made from this, n. 1 monk's cloak. 2 hood-shaped covering of a chimney or ventilating

cowl

shaft. [Latin cucullus]

cow-lick

n.

projecting lock of hair,

cowling n. removable cover of a vehicle or aircraft engine.

co-worker /kau'w3:ka(r)/ who works with another. cow-parsley n. hedgerow

n.

person

plant with

umbels of flowers. cow-pat n. flat round piece of cow-dung. cowpox n. disease of cows, whose virus was formerly used in smallpox vaccinalacelike

tion.

bed]

certificate of

insurance.

covey

coypu

194

measures to protect foil, by for) stand in

cowrie

/'kauri/ n.

with a bright

1

tropical mollusc

shell. 2 its shell as

in parts of Africa

and

S.

money

Asia. [Urdu

and

Hindi]

co-write

/kau'rait/

another person.

with

write

v.

co-writer

n.

cowslip /'kauslip/ n. primula with small yellow flowers, [obsolete slyppe dung] esp. of a racing-boat.

cox -n. coxswain, -v. act as cox

(of),

[abbreviation] ostentatiously

coxcomb /'kDkskaum/ n. conceited man. -ies).

coxcombry

n.

(pi.

person

who

[= cock's comb]

coxswain /'koks(a)n/ -n.

1

steers, esp. a rowing-boat. 2 senior petty a small ship. -v. act as cox-

officer in

[cock ship's boat, swain] affectedly shy. 2 irritatingly coyly adv. coyness n. [French: related to quiet]

swain

(of),

coy

adj. reticent.

1

coyote /kai'auti/ n. (pi. same or -s) N. American wolflike wild dog. [Mexican Spanish]

coypu

/'koipu:progress towards a cli& adj. increasing in loudness. [Italian: related to crescent]

max, -adv.

cozen cozen

/'kAz(9)n/ v. literary 1 cheat, defraud. 2 beguile. 3 act deceitfully. cozenage n. [cant] cozy US var. of cosy.

c.p. abbr. candlepower. Cpl. abbr. Corporal. cps abbr. (also c.p.s.) 1 Computing characters per second. 2 Set cycles per second. abbr. Computing central processing unit.

CPU

Cr symb. chromium. crab

1

n. 1 a ten-footed crustacean, with the first pair of legs as pincers, b crab as food. 2 (Crab) sign or constellation Cancer. 3 (in full crab-louse) (often in pi.) parasitic louse transmitted sexually to esp. pubic hair. 4 machine for hoistcatch a crab ing heavy weights. Rowing jam an oar or miss the water. crablike adj. [Old English]

crab 2 n.

1

(in full

crab-apple) small sour

apple. 2 (in full crab tree or crab-apple tree) tree (esp. uncultivated) bearing this. 3 sour person, [origin unknown]

crab 3

(-bb-)

v.

colloq.

1

criticize;

[Low German krabben] crabbed /'kraebid/ adj. 1 = crabby. 2 grumble. 2

spoil.

handwriting) ill-formed; [from crab 2 ]

(of

crabby

illegible,

morcrabbily adv. crabbiness n. crab wise adv. & attrib.adj. sideways or backwards. crack -n. 1 a sharp explosive noise, b sudden harshness or change in vocal pitch. 2 sharp blow. 3 a narrow opening; break or split, b chink. 4 colloq. joke or malicious remark. 5 colloq. attempt. 6 slang crystalline form of cocaine broken into small pieces, -v. 1 break adj. (-ier, -iest) irritable,

ose.

without separating the parts. 2 make or cause to make a sharp explosive sound. 3 break with a sharp sound. 4 give way or cause to give way (under torture etc.). 5 (of the voice) change pitch sharply; break. 6 colloq. find the solution to. 7 tell (a joke etc.). 8 colloq. hit sharply. 9 (as cracked adj.) crazy. 10 break (wheat) into coarse pieces, -attrib. adj. colloq. excellent; first-rate (crack shot). crack a bottle open a bottle, esp. of '

wine, and drink it. crack down on take severe measures against,

colloq.

crack of

dawn

colloq. 1 collapse

i

cramp

195

daybreak, crack

under

up

strain. 2 praise,

get cracking colloq. begin promptly and vigorously. [Old English]

crack-brained

crack-down n.

adj. crazy. colloq.

severe measures

(esp. against law-breakers).

cracker

n.

1

paper cylinder pulled

apart, esp. at Christmas, with a sharp noise and releasing a hat, joke, etc. 2

loud firework. 3 (usu. in pi.) instrument for cracking. 4 thin dry savoury biscuit. 5 slang attractive or admirable person. 6 US biscuit. crackers predic. cracking slang

adj.

and

(attrib.) fast

slang crazy.

-adj.

1 excellent. 2 exciting, -adv. out-

standingly.

crackle

/'kraek(a)l/

-v.

(-ling)

make

repeated slight cracking sound (radio crackled; fire was crackling). -n. such a sound. crackly adj. [from crack] crackling /'kraeklin/ n. crisp skin of roast pork.

cracknel cuit.

/'kra?kn(a)l/ n. light crisp bis[Dutch: related to crack] -n. eccentric person.

crackpot slang

-adj. mad, unworkable.

crack-up

n. colloq. mental breakdown. -cracy comb, form denoting a particular form of government etc. (bureaucracy).

[Latin -cratia]

-n.1a baby's bed or on rockers, b place in which something begins, esp. civilization

cradle

/'kreid(a)l/

cot, esp.

(cradle of democracy). 2 supporting framework or structure, -v. (-ling) 1 contain or shelter as in a cradle. 2 place in a cradle. [Old English] cradle-snatcher n. slang admirer or lover of a much younger person.

cradle-song craft

n.

lullaby. 1 special skill or tech-

-n.

/kra:ft/

nique. 2 occupation needing this. 3 (pi. craft) a boat or vessel, b aircraft or spacecraft. 4 cunning or deceit, -v. make in a skilful way. [Old English]

craftsman

n.

(fern,

skilled worker. 2

crafty

craftswoman)

person

1

who practises a

craftsmanship

craft.

n.

cunning, artful, craftily adv. craftiness n. steep or rugged rock. [Celtic]

adj. (-ier, -iest)

wily.

crag n. craggy

adj.

(-ier,

-iest)

(of

facial

features, landscape, etc.) rugged; roughcragginess n. textured, crake n. bird of the rail family, esp. the corncrake. [Old Norse, imitative of cry] cram v. (-mm-) 1 a fill to bursting; stuff, b (foil, by in, into; also absol.) force (a thing) in or into. 2 prepare intensively for an examination. 3 (often foil, by with) feed to excess. [Old English] n. person or institution that

crammer

crams pupils

for examinations.

cramp

-n. 1 painful involuntary muscular contraction. 2 (also cramp-iron)

metal bar with bent ends for holding etc. together, -v. 1 affect with cramp. 2 (often foil, by up) confine narrowly. 3 restrict. 4 fasten with a cramp a person's style precramp, vent a person from acting freely or naturally. [Low German or Dutch]

masonry

cramped 1

(of a space) too small. 2

(of handwriting) small letters close together.

and with the

crampon /'kraempan/ n. (f/Scrampoon /-'pu:n/) (usu. in pi.) spiked iron plate fixed to a boot for climbing on ice. [French: related to cramp] cranberry /'kraenbari/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 shrub with small red acid berries. 2 this berry used in cookery. [German Kranbeere crane-berry] crane —n. 1 machine with a long projecting arm for moving heavy objects. 2 tall

wading bird with long

legs, neck,

and

-v. (-ning) (also absol.) stretch out (one's neck) in order to see something. bill.

or -nia) 1 skull. 2 part of the skeleton enclosing the brain. cranial adj. craniology /-'Dlad3i/ n. [medieval Latin from Greek] crank -n. 1 part of an axle or shaft bent at right angles for converting reciprocal into circular motion or vice versa. 2 eccentric person, -v. cause to move by means of a crank. crank up start (a car engine) with a crank. [Old English] crankcase n. case enclosing a crank(pi. -s

shaft.

crankpin n.

pin by which a connectingrod is attached to a crank. crankshaft n. shaft driven by a crank. (-ier, -iest) 1 colloq. eccent-

working badly; shaky. 3 esp. US crankily adv. crankicrotchety. ness n. ric.

2

cranny /'kraeni/ n.

chink, crevice. crannied adj. [French] crap coarse slang -n. 1 (often as int. or attrib.) nonsense, rubbish. 2 faeces, —v. (-pp-) defecate. -iest).

crape

(pi. -ies)

crappy

adj.

(-ier,

[Dutch] n.

crepe, usu. of black silk, for-

merly used for mourning, [from crepe] n.pl. (also crap game) US gambling dice game, [origin uncertain]

craps

crapulent

ative]

crash 2

coarse plain fabric of linen,

n.

cotton, etc. [Russian]

crash barrier centre of a road

n.

barrier at the side or

etc.

crash-dive - v.

1 a (of a submarine or dive hastily in an emergency, b (of an aircraft or airman) dive and crash. 2 cause to crash-dive. -n. such a

its pilot)

crash-helmet

/'kraepjulant/ adj. suffering

n.

helmet worn esp. by

cyclists.

crashing

wild geranium.

cranium /'kremiam/ n.

cranky adj.

or system. 5 (attrib.) done rapidly or urgently (crash course in first aid), -adv. with a crash (go crash), [imit-

motor

also called daddy-long-legs. n.

floor etc. -n. 1 loud and sudden smashing noise. 2 violent collision or fall, esp. of a vehicle. 3 ruin, esp. financial. 4 Computing sudden failure of a machine

dive.

[Old English]

crane-fly n. two-winged long-legged fly:

cranesbill

crawl

196

cramped adj.

adj.

colloq.

overwhelming

(crashing bore). crash-land v. land or cause (an aircraft etc.) to land hurriedly with a crash.

crash landing n. crass adj. gross; grossly crassly adv. crassness n.

stupid. [Latin cras-

sus thick]

-crat comb, form member or supporter of a type of government etc.

crate -n.

1

slatted

wooden case

etc. for

conveying esp. fragile goods. 2 slang old aircraft or other vehicle, -v. (-ting) pack in a crate, [perhaps from Dutch] 1 mouth of a volcano. 2 bowlshaped cavity, esp. that made by a shell

crater -n.

or bomb. 3 hollow on the surface of a planet or moon, caused by impact, -v. form a crater in. [Greek, = mixing-

bowl] -cratic comb, form (also -cratical) denoting a type of government etc. -cratically comb, form (autocratic). forming adverbs, [forming adverbs] /kra'vaet/ n. man's scarf worn inside an open-necked shirt. [SerboCroatian, = Croat] crave v. (-ving) (often foil, by for) long or beg for. [Old English]

cravat

craven abject,

adj.

/'kreiv(a)n/

[probably

French

cowardly, cravante

defeated]

craputhe effects of drunkenness. lence n. crapulous adj. [Latin crapula inebriation] crash 1 -v. 1 (cause to) make a loud

craving

smashing noise. 2 throw, drive, move, or fall with a loud smash. 3 (often foil, by into) collide or fall, or cause (a vehicle etc.) to collide or fall, violently; overturn at high speed. 4 collapse financially. 5 colloq. gatecrash. 6 Computing (of a machine or system) fail suddenly. 7 colloq. pass (a red traffic-light etc.). 8 (often foil, by out) slang sleep, esp. on a

crawfish

n. strong desire or longing, stick crop of a bird or insect. in one's craw be unacceptable. [Low German or Dutch]

craw n.

/'krD:fiJ7 n.

(pi.

same) large

[var. of crayfish] crawl -v. 1 move slowly, esp. on hands body close to the with the and knees or

marine spiny lobster,

etc. 2 walk or move slowly. 3 behave obsequiously. 4 (often by with) be or appear to be covered

ground colloq. foil,

or filled with crawling or moving things or people. 5 (esp. of the skin) creep, -n. 1

crayfish

unknown] crayfish /'kreifij/ [origin

n. (pi. same) 1 small freshwater crustacean. 2 crawfish. [French crevice] crayon /'kreian/ -n. stick or pencil of coloured chalk, wax, etc. -v. draw with crayons. [French craie chalk]

lobster-like

craze -v.

1 (usu. as crazed adj.) (crazed with grief). 2 pro-

(-zing)

make insane duce

on (pottery glaze etc.); develop such cracks, -n. 1 usu. temporary enthusiasm (craze for skateboarding). 2 object of this, [perfine surface cracks

haps from Old Norse]

crazy adj. mad;

credit

197

crawling. 2 slow rate of movement. 3 high-speed overarm swimming stroke,

insane or by about)

(-ier, -iest) 1 colloq.

2 (usu.

foolish.

foil,

create

/krii'eit/

ativeness n. creativity /- tiviti/ n. creative accounting n. exploitation of loopholes in financial legislation to gain maximum advantage or present figures in a misleadingly favourable light.

creator

ness

creature

n.

creak -n. harsh scraping or squeaking sound, -u. 1 make a creak. 2 a move stiffly or with a creaking noise, b be poorly constructed (plot creaks), [imit-

ative]

creaky adj. 2a

(-ier, -iest) 1 liable to

stiff or frail,

creakiness

creak.

b decrepit, outmoded.

n.

cream

-n. 1 fatty part of milk. 2 its yellowish-white colour. 3 creamlike cosmetic etc. 4 food or drink like or containing cream. 5 (usu. prec. by the) best part of something, -u. 1 take cream from (milk). 2 make creamy. 3 treat (the skin etc.) with cosmetic cream. 4 form a cream or scum. -adj. pale yellowish white. cream off take (esp. the best part) from a whole. [Latin cramum and Church Latin chrisma oil for anointing] cream cheese n. soft rich cheese made from cream and unskimmed milk. creamer n. 1 cream-substitute for adding to coffee. 2 jug for cream. creamery n. (pi. -ies) 1 factory producing butter and cheese. 2 dairy.

cream of tartar

n.

purified tartar,

used in medicine, baking powder, etc. n. carbonated vanilla-

cream soda

flavoured soft drink. afternoon tea with scones, jam, and cream.

cream tea n.

creamy adj. rich

in

(-ier, -iest) 1 like

cream.

creaminess crease -n. 1

cream. 2

creamily

adv.

n.

line

caused by folding or

crushing. 2 Cricket line marking the position of a bowler or batsman, -v. (-sing) 1 make creases in. 2 develop creases. 3 slang (often foil, by up) make or become incapable through laughter, [from crest]

(-ting) 1 bring into 2 originate (actor

existence; cause. creates a part). 3 invest with rank (created him a lord). 4 slang make a fuss. [Latin creo] creation /kri:'eiJXa)n/ n. 1 creating or being created. 2 a (usu. the Creation) God's creating of the universe, b (usu. Creation) all created things, the universe. 3 product of the imagination, art, fashion, etc. creative adj. 1 inventive, imaginative. 2 able to create. creatively adv. cre-

extremely enthusiastic. 3 (attrib.) (of paving etc.) made up of irregular pieces. crazily adv. crazicolloq.

v.

n. 1 person the Creator) God.

who

creates. 2 (as

.

1 any living being, esp. an animal. 2 person of a specified kind (poor creature). 3 subservient person. creaturely adj. [French from Latin: related to create] creature comforts n.pl. good food,

warmth,

/'kri:tj9(r)/

n.

etc.

creche /kreJV n. day nursery. [French] credence /'kri:d(9)ns/ n. belief. give credence to

believe, [medieval Latin: related to credo] credential /kn'denJX8)l/ n. (usu. in pi.) 1 certificates, references, etc., attesting to a person's education, character, etc. 2 [medieval letter(s) of introduction, Latin: related to credence]

credibility

/.kredi'biliti/

n.

1

being

credible. 2 reputation, status,

credibility gap n. apparent difference between what is said and what is true,

credible /'kredib(a)l/ adj. believable or worthy of belief. [Latin: related to credo]

Usage Credible is sometimes confused with credulous. credit

/'kredit/ -n. 1

source of honour,

a credit to the school). 2 acknowledgement of merit. 3 good repupride, etc. (is

tation. 4 belief or trust. 5 a person's financial standing, esp. as regards money in the bank etc. b power to obtain goods etc. before payment. 6 (usu. in pi. ) acknowledgement of a contributor's services to a film etc. 7 grade above pass in an examination. 8 reputation for solvency and honesty in business. 9 a entry in an account of a sum paid into it. b sum entered, c side of an account recording such entries. 10 educational course counting towards a degree, -v. (-t-) 1 believe (cannot credit it). 2 (usu. foil, by to, with) enter on the credit side

creditable

crescendo

198

of an account, credit a person with ascribe (a good quality) to a person, do credit to (or do a person credit) enhance the reputation of. on credit with an arrangement to pay later, to one's credit in one's favour. [Italian or Latin: related to credo] creditable adj. bringing credit or creditably adv. honour, credit card n. plastic card from a bank etc. authorizing the purchase of goods

creepy-crawly

on credit. credit note n. note with a specific monetary value given by a shop etc. for

creme brulee

goods returned. n. person to whom a debt owing. [Latin: related to credit]

creditor

credit rating suitability for

n.

estimate of a person's

commercial

creditworthy

is

credit.

considered suitable to receive commercial credit. credit-

worthiness n. credo 'kri:dau. [Latin.

=

I

credulous

adj.

'krei-

n.

believe] 'kredjulas

n.

-s)

creed.

too ready

credulously adv.

[Latin:

related to credo]

Usage

Credulous

is

sometimes con-

fused with credible.

creed

n. 1

set of principles or beliefs. 2

system of religious belief. 3 (often the creed) formal summary of Christian doctrine. [Latin: related to credo] creek n. 1 a inlet on a sea-coast, b short arm of a river. 2 esp. US, Austral.. & tributary of a river: stream, z up the creek slang 1 in difficulties. 2 crazy. [Old Norse and Dutch] creel n. fisherman's large wicker basket, [origin unknown] creep —v. (pasr and past part, crept) 1 move with the body prone and close to the ground. 2 move stealthily or timidly. 3 advance very gradually (a feeling crept over her). 4 colloq. act obsequiously in the hope of advancement. 5 (of a plant) grow along the ground or up a wall etc. 6 (as creeping adj.) developing

NZ

slowly and steadily. 7 (of flesh) shiver or shudder from fear, horror, etc. -n. 1 act or spell of creeping. 2 (in pL\ prec. by the) colloq. feeling of revulsion or fear. 3 slang unpleasant person. 4 (of metals etc.) gradual change of shape under stress. [Old English] creepers. 1 climbing or creeping plant. 2 bird that climbs, esp. the treecreeper. 3 slang soft-soled shoe. creepy adj. (-ier. -iest) colloq. feeling or creepily adv. causing horror or fear,

creepiness

n.

n.

small crawling insect

cremate kn'meit

burn

(-ting)

v.

{pi.

etc.

(a

etc.) to ashes. cremation n. [Latin cremo burn] crematorium ,krema'to:riam n. (pi. -ria or -s) place where corpses are cre-

corpse

mated.

creme krem/

n.

= cream

1

n.

4.

2

liqueur (creme de cassis). [French, =

cream] bru:'lei

baked cream

n.

or custard pudding coated with caramel. creme caramel n. custard coated with caramel. creme de cassis da kse'si:s n. black-

currant liqueur.

creme de la creme

da

la:

'krem

n.

best

part: elite.

creme de menthe peppermint crenellate

da mat, 'mont

liqueur. 'krenaleit/

n.

(US cren-

v.

elate) (-ting) provide (a tower etc.) with adj.

credulity /kn

to believe; gullible. 'dju:liti

(pi.

-ies) colloq.

,kri:pi'kro:li,

crenellation -'leij(a)n [French crenel embrasure] 'kri:aul -n. 1 a descendant of

battlements. n.

Creole

European

settlers in the W. Indies or Central or S. America, b White descendant of French settlers in the southern US. c person of mixed European and

Black descent. 2 language formed from a European language and another (esp. African) language, -adj. 1 of Creoles. 2 (usu. Creole) of Creole origin etc. (Creole cooking). [French from Spanish] creosote 'kri:a,saut -n. 1 dark-brown oil distilled from coal tar, used as a wood-preservative. 2 oily fluid distilled

from wood tar. used as an antiseptic, —v. (-ting) treat with creosote. [Greek kreas flesh, soter preserver, because of its

antiseptic properties]

crepe

n. 1 fine gauzy wrinkled pancake with a savoury or 3 hard-wearing wrinkled sheet rubber used for the soles of shoes etc. crepey adj. crepy adj. [Latin:

kreip

fabric. 2 thin

sweet

filling.

related to crisp]

crepe de Chine da

'Ji:n

n.

fine silk

crepe.

crepe paper n. crepe Suzette

thin crinkled paper, small dessert pancake flamed in alcohol, crept past and past part, of creep. crepuscular kri'pAskjola(r) adj. 1 a of su:'zet n.

twilight, b dim. 2 Zool. appearing or active in twilight. [Latin crepusculum

twilight]

Cres. abbr. Crescent, cresc. abbr. (also cres.) Mus. = crescendo.

crescendo

kri'Jendao

-n.

(pi.

-s)

1

Mus. gradual increase in loudness. 2

crescent progress towards a climax, —adv. & adj. increasing in loudness. [Italian: related to crescent]

Usage Crescendo is sometimes wrongly used to mean the climax itself rather than progress towards it. crescent /'krez(9)nt/-rc. 1 curved sickle shape as of the waxing or waning moon. 2 thing of this shape, esp. a street forming an arc. -adj. crescent-shaped. [Latin cresco grow]

cress n. any of various plants with pungent edible leaves. [Old English] crest -n. 1 a comb or tuft etc. on a bird's or animal's head, b plume etc. on a top of a mountain, wave, Heraldry a device above a coat of arms, b such a device on writingpaper etc. -v. 1 reach the crest of. 2 provide with a crest or serve as a crest crested to. 3 (of a wave) form a crest.

helmet

etc. 2

roof, etc. 3

adj. [Latin crista] adj. dejected, dispirited.

crestfallen

cretaceous /kri'teijas/ -adj.

1 of or like chalk. 2 (Cretaceous) Geol. of the last period of the Mesozoic era, with deposits of chalk, -n. (Cretaceous) Geol. this era or system. [Latin creta chalk]

cretin

deformed and men-

/'kretin/ n. 1

retarded person, esp. as the result of thyroid, deficiency. 2 colloq. stupid cretinism n. cretinous adj. person. [French cretin: related to Christian] tally

cretonne

/kre'ton/

n.

(often

heavy cotton upholstery with a

crinoline

199

attrib.) fabric, usu.

floral pattern. [Creton in

Nor-

mandy] crevasse

/kra'vaes/ n. deep open crack, esp. in a glacier. [Latin crepo crack] crevice /'krevis/ n. narrow opening or fissure, esp. in rock etc. [French: related to crevasse] crew 1 /kru:/ -n. (often treated as pl.)1 a people manning a ship, aircraft, train, etc. b these as distinct from the captain

or officers, c people working together; team. 2 colloq. gang. -v. 1 supply or act as a crew or crew member for. 2 act as a crew. [Latin cresco increase] crew 2 past of crow 2 crew cut n. close-cropped hairstyle. crewel /'kru:al/ n. thin worsted yarn for [origin tapestry and embroidery, .

cribbage. -v. (-bb-) (also absol.) 1 colloq. copy unfairly. 2 confine in a small space. 3 colloq. pilfer. [Old English] cribbage /'knbid3/ n. card-game for up to four players, [origin unknown] crick -n. sudden painful stiffness, esp. in the neck. -v. cause this in. [origin

unknown] cricket /'knkit/ n. team game played on a grass pitch, with bowling at a wicket defended by a batting player of the other team, z not cricket colloq. 1

unfair behaviour. igin uncertain]

cricket

cricketer

n.

[or-

2

/'knkit/ n. grasshopper-like chirping insect. [French, imitative]

de cceur /,kri: da 'k3:(r)/ n. (pi. cris de coeur pronunc. same) passionate appeal, protest, etc. [French, = cry from

cri

the heart]

cried past and past part, of cry. crier /'krai9(r)/ n. (also cryer) 1 person who cries. 2 official making public announcements in a lawcourt or street, [related to cry]

crikey

/'kraiki/ int. slang expression of astonishment, [from Christ] crime n.1a offence punishable by law. b illegal acts (resorted to crime). 2 evil act (crime against humanity). 3 colloq. shameful act. [Latin crimen) criminal /'knmm(a)l/-n. person guilty of a crime, -adj. 1 of, involving, or concerning crime. 2 guilty of crime. 3 Law of or concerning criminal offences (criminal code; criminal lawyer). 4 colcriminloq. scandalous, deplorable, ality /-'naeliti/ n. criminally adv. [Latin: related to crime]

criminology

/,knmi'nDlad3i/

study of crime.

crimp - v.

3

n.

criminologist

the

n.

press into small folds; corin (hair), -n. crimped thing or form. [Low German or rugate. 2

1

make waves

Dutch]

Crimplene

/'knmpli:n/

n.

propr. syn-

thetic crease-resistant fabric. crimson /'krimz(a)n/ -adj. of a rich deep red. -n. this colour, [ultimately

from Arabic: related to kermes] v. (ging) 1 shrink in fear; cower. 2 (often foil, by to) behave obsequiously, [related to crank]

cringe /knnd3/

design in crewel, round close-fitting neck-

/'knnk(9)l/ -n. wrinkle or crease, -v. (-ling) form crinkles (in). crinkly adj. [related to cringe] crinkle-cut adj. (of vegetables) with

crib -n. 1 a baby's small bed or cot. b model of the Nativity with a manger. 2 rack for animal fodder. 3 colloq. a translation of a text used by students, b

crinoline /'krinahn/ n. 1 hist, stiffened or hooped petticoat. 2 stiff fabric of

unknown] crewel- work

crew neck

n.

crinkle n.

line.

plagiarized work etc. 4 colloq. a cribbage. b set of cards given to the dealer at

wavy

edges.

horsehair etc. used for linings, hats, etc. [French from Latin crinis hair, linum thread]

cripple

seriously (crippled by strikes). [Old English] crisis /'kraisis/ n. (pi. crises /-si:z/) 1 time of danger or great difficulty. 2 decisive moment; turning-point. [Greek, - decision] crisp -ac(/. 1 hard but brittle. 2 a (of air) bracing, b (of style or manner) lively, brisk and decisive, c (of features etc.) neat, clear-cut. d (of paper) stiff and crackling, e (of hair) closely curling, —n. (in full potato crisp) potato sliced thinly, fried, and sold in packets, -v. crisply adv. make or become crisp. crispness n. [Latin crispus curled] crispbread n. 1 thin crisp biscuit of crushed rye etc. 2 these collectively (packet of crispbread). crispy adj. (-ier, -iest) crisp. crispi-

ness n. criss-cross —n. pattern of crossing lines,

-adj.

crooked

200

cripple / knp(a)l/ -n. permanently lame person, -v. (-ling) 1 make a cripple of; lame. 2 disable, weaken, or damage

crossing; in cross lines.

-adv. crosswise; at cross purposes, -v. 1 a intersect repeatedly, b move crosswise. 2 mark or make with a criss-cross

/kn'ti:k/ n. critical analysis. [French: related to critic]

croak

-n. deep hoarse sound, esp. of a frog. -v. 1 utter or speak with a croak. 2 die. [imitative] croaky adj. (-ier, -iest) croaking;

slang

hoarse.

croakily adv. croakiness

n.

Croat

/'krauaet/ (also Croatian /krau'eij(a)n/) -n.1a native of Croatia in SE Europe, b person of Croatian descent. 2 Slavonic dialect of the Croats.

-adj. of the Croats or their dialect. [Serbo-Croatian Hrvat] /'kraujei/ -n. needlework in which yarn is hooked to make a lacy patterned fabric, -v. (crocheted /-Jeid/;

crochet

crocheting

/-Jenn/) (also absol.)

make

using crochet. [French: related to crotchet] crock 1 n. colloq. old or worn-out person or vehicle, [originally Scots] crock 2 n. 1 earthenware pot or jar. 2

broken piece of this. [Old English] n. earthenware or china dishes, plates, etc. [related to crock 2 ] crocodile /'kmka.dail/ n.1a large tropical amphibious reptile with thick scaly skin, a long tail, and long jaws, b (often

crockery

attrib.) its skin. 2 colloq. line of school-

pattern. [Christ's cross]

criterion /krai'tiarian/ n.

critique

(pi.

-ria) prin-

ciple or standard of judgement. [Greek,

= means of judging]

children etc. walking in pairs. [Greek krokodilos] n.pl. insincere grief. crocus /'kraukas/ n. (pi. -cuses) small plant with white, yellow, or purple flowers, growing from a corm. [Latin

crocodile tears

Usage The

plural form of criterion, used incorrectly as the singular. In the singular criterion should always be used.

criteria, is often

critic /'kntik/ n. 1 person who criticizes. 2 person who reviews literary, artistic, etc. works. [Latin criticus from Greek krites judge] critical adj. 1 a fault-finding, censorious, b expressing or involving criticism. 2 skilful at or engaged in criticism. 3 providing textual criticism (critical edition of Milton). 4 a of or at a crisis; dangerous, risky (in a critical condition), b decisive, crucial (at the critical moment). 5 a Math. & Physics marking a transition from one state etc. to another (critical angle), b (of a nuclear reactor) maintaining a self-sustaining critically adv. critchain reaction.

from Greek]

Croesus

/'kri:sas/ n. person of great wealth, [name of a king of ancient Lydia] croft -n. 1 enclosed piece of (usu. arable) land. 2 small rented farm in Scotland or N. England, -v. farm a croft; live as a crofter. [Old English] crofter n. person who farms a croft. Crohn's disease /kraunz/ n. chronic inflammatory disease of the alimentary tract. [E. Crohn, name of a US pathologist]

croissant /'krwAsd/ breakfast cent]

roll.

n. crescent-shaped [French: related to cres-

cromlech

/'kromlek/ n. 1 dolmen. 2 prehistoric stone circle. [Welsh] n. withered old woman. [Dutch croonje carcass]

icalness n. critical path n. sequence of stages determining the minimum time needed

crone

an operation. criticism /'kriti,siz(a)m/

panion. [Greek khronios long-lasting] crook /kruk/ -n. 1 hooked staff of a shepherd or bishop. 2 a bend, curve, or hook, b hooked or curved thing. 3 colloq. rogue; swindler; criminal, -v. bend, curve. [Old Norse] crooked /'krukid/ adj. (-er, -est) 1 not straight or level; bent. 2 colloq. not

for

finding; censure, b critical

a work of a

critic,

n.

1

a fault-

remark etc. 2

b analytical

article,

essay, etc.

criticize /'knti.saiz/ v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) (also absol.) 1 find fault with; censure. 2 discuss critically.

crony

/'krauni/ n.

(pi. -ies)

friend,

com-

croon

[

i

lish]

crop circle

n. circle

of crops that has

been inexplicably flattened. crop-eared adj. with the ears

(esp. of

animals) or hair cut short. n. crop-producing plant of a

cropper

come a cropper specified quality. fall heavily; fail badly. croquet /'kraukei/ -n. 1 lawn game in which wooden balls are driven through hoops with mallets. 2 act of croqueting a ball. -v. (croqueted /-keid/; croqueting /-kenn/) drive away (an opponent's ball) by placing and then striking one's own against it. [perhaps a dial, form of French crochet hook] croquette /kra'ket/ n. ball of breaded and fried mashed potato etc. [French slang

croquer crunch]

crosier bishop's

/'krauzia(r)/ n.

(also crozier)

hooked staff. cross-bearer and cros-

ceremonial

[French croisier

sier crook-bearer] —/I. 1 upright post with a transverse bar, as used in antiquity for crucifixion. 2 a (the Cross) cross on which Christ was crucified, b representation of this as an emblem of Christianity, c = sign of the cross. 3 staff surmounted by a cross, carried in a religious procession. 4 thing or mark like a cross, esp. two short intersecting lines ( + or x). 5 cross-shaped military etc. decoration. 6 a hybrid, b crossing of breeds etc. 7 (foil, by between) mixture of two things. 8 crosswise movement, pass in football, etc. 9 trial or affliction, -v. 1 (often foil, by over) go across. 2 intersect; (cause to) be across (roads cross; cross one's legs). 3 a draw line(s) across, b mark (a cheque) with two parallel lines to indicate that it cannot be cashed. 4 (foil, by off, out, through) cancel etc. by drawing lines across. 5 (often refl.) make the sign of the cross on or over. 6 a pass in opposite or different directions, b (of letters etc.) be sent at the same time, c (of telephone lines) be connected to an

cross

cross-grain

201

straightforward; dishonest, criminal. crookedly adv. crookedness n. croon -v. sing, hum, or say in a low sentimental voice, —n. such singing etc. crooner n. [Low German or Dutch] crop -n. 1 a produce of cultivated plants, esp. cereals, b season's yield. 2 group, yield, etc., of one time or place (a new crop of students). 3 handle of a whip. 4 a very short haircut, b cropping of hair. 5 pouch in a bird's gullet where food is prepared for digestion, -v. (-pp-) 1 a cut off. b bite off. 2 cut (hair etc.) short. 3 (foil, by with) sow or plant (land) with a crop. 4 (of land) bear a crop. crop up occur unexpectedly. [Old Eng-

unwanted conversation.

7 a cause to interbreed, b cross-fertilize (plants). 8 oppose or thwart (crossed in love), -adj. 1 (often foil, by with) peevish, angry. 2 (usu. attrib.) transverse; reaching from side to side. 3 (usu. attrib.) intersecting. 4 (usu. attrib.) contrary, opposed, reciprocal. at cross purposes misunderstanding; conflicting, cross one's

fingers (or keep one's fingers crossed) 1 put one finger across another to

ward off bad luck. 2 trust in good luck,

make a solemn by crossing one's front,

cross one's heart pledge, esp.

cross one's mind occur to one, esp. transiently, cross swords (often foil, by with) argue or dispute, cross wires (or get one's wires crossed) 1 become wrongly connected by telephone. 2 have a misunderstanding, on the cross diagcrossly adv. crossness n. onally. [Latin crux]

crossbar n.

horizontal bar, esp. that on

a man's bicycle.

cross-bench

n.

seat in the

Lords for non-party members.

-bencher

House of cross-

n.

crossbill n. finch with a bill with crossed mandibles for opening pine cones.

crossbones see skull and crossbones. crossbow n. bow fixed on a wooden stock, with a groove for an arrow. 1 hybrid breed of animals or plants. 2 individual hybrid, -v.

cross-breed -n.

produce by crossing. -v. check by alternative method(s). -n. such a check.

cross-check

-adj. & adv. 1 across open country. 2 not keeping to main roads, -n. (pi. -ies) cross-country race. cross-cut -adj. cut across the main grain, -n. diagonal cut, path, etc. cross-cut saw n. saw for cross-cutting. cross-dressing n. practice of dressing in the clothes of the opposite sex

cross-country

cross-dress

crosse

v.

lacrosse stick. [French] cross-examine v. question (esp. an opposing witness in a lawcourt). n.

cross-examination n. cross-eyed /'kmsaid/ adj. having one or both eyes turned inwards, cross-fertilize v. (also -ise) 1 fertilize (an animal or plant) from one of a different species. 2 interchange ideas cross-fertilization n. etc. crossfire n. 1 firing in two crossing directions simultaneously. 2 a attack or criticism from all sides, b combative exchange of views etc. cross-grain n. grain in timber, running across the regular gr ain.

cross-grained cross-grained

adj.

having a cross-

grain. 2 perverse, intractable.

cross-hatch v, shade with crossing parplace where things (esp. roads) cross. 2 place for crossing a street etc. 3 journey across water. cross-legged /kms'legd/ adj. (sitting) with legs folded one across the other. crossover -rc. 1 point or place of crossing. 2 process of crossing over, esp. from one style or genre to another, -attrib. adj. that crosses over, esp. from one style or genre to another. n. 1

crosspatch

n.

bad-tempered

collog.

person.

crosspiece n. transverse beam etc. cross-ply adj. (of a tyre) having fabric layers with crosswise cords, v. = cross-examine. cross-refer v. (-rr-) refer from one part of a book etc. to another, cross-reference -n. reference from one part of a book etc. to another, -v.

cross-question

provide with cross-references,

crossroad n. (usu. in pi.) intersection of two or more roads. at the crossroads at the critical point.

cross-section solid,

n.1aa

cutting across a

b plane surface so produced, c

drawing

etc.

of this. 2 representative

cross-sectional adj. cross-stitch n. cross-shaped stitch. sample.

crosstalk n. 1 unwanted signals between communication channels. 2 witty repartee. adv. = crosswise.

crossways crosswind

n.

wind blowing across

one's path etc.

crosswise adj. & adv.

1 in the form of a cross; intersecting. 2 diagonal or diagonally. crossword n. (also crossword puzzle) printed grid of squares and blanks for vertical and horizontal words to be filled in from clues. crotch n. fork, esp. between legs (of a person, trousers, etc.). [related to

crook]

crotchet

/'krntjit/ n. Mus. note equal to a quarter of a semibreve and usu. one

beat. [French diminutive of croc, related to crook]

crotchety

adj. peevish, irritable.

crouch

-v. lower the body with limbs close to the chest; be in this position. -n. crouching; crouching position. [Old Norse: related to crook] croup /kru:p/ n. childhood inflammation of the larynx etc., with a hard 1

cough, [imitative]

croup 2

croupier

n. person running a gaming-table, raking in and paying out money etc. [French: related to

/'kru:pia(r)/

CROUP 2 ]

allel lines.

crossing

Crown prince

202 1

/kru:p/ n.

rump,

esp. of a horse.

[French: related to crop]

crouton /'kru:tmi/ n.

small cube of fried or toasted bread served with soup etc. [French: related to crust] crow 1 /krau/ n. 1 large black bird with a powerful black beak. 2 similar bird, e.g. the raven, rook, and jackdaw. as the crow flies in a straight line. [Old English]

crow 2 /krau/ -v.

1

(past

/kru:/) (of a cock) utter

baby) utter over) gloat;

crowed or crew a loud cry. 2 (of a

happy cries. 3 (usu. foil, by show glee. -n. cry of a cock

or baby. [Old English] n. iron bar with a flattened end, used as a lever. crowd -n. 1 large gathering of people. 2 spectators; audience. 3 collog. particular set of people. 4 (prec. by the) majority, -y. 1 a (cause to) come together in a crowd, b force one's way (crowded into the cinema). 2 a (foil, by into) force or compress into a confined space, b (often foil, by with; usu. in passive) fill or make full of. 3 colloq. come aggressively close

crowbar

crowd out exclude by crowding. crowdedness n. [Old English]

to.

crown

-n.

1

monarch's jewelled head-

dress. 2 (the Crown) a monarch as head of State, b power or authority of the monarchy. 3 a wreath for the head as an emblem of victory, b award or distinction, esp. in sport. 4 crown-shaped ornament etc. 5 top part of the head, a hat,

6 a highest or central part (crown of the road), b thing that completes or forms a summit. 7 a part of a tooth visible outside the gum. b artificial replacement for this. 8 former British coin worth five shillings, -v. 1 put a crown on (a person or head). 2 invest with a royal crown or authority. 3 be a crown to; rest on top of. 4 a (often as crowning adj.) (cause to) be the reward, summit, or finishing touch to (crowning glory), b bring to a happy outcome. 5 fit a crown to (a tooth). 6 slang hit on the head. 7 promote (a piece in draughts) to king. [Latin corona] Colony n. British colony controlled by the Crown. Court n. court of criminal jurisdiction in England and Wales. Derby n. porcelain made at Derby and often marked with a crown. crown glass n. glass without lead or iron used formerly in windows, now as optical glass of low refractive index. crown jewels n.pl. sovereign's State regalia etc. prince n. male heir to a throne. etc.

Crown Crown Crown

Crown

Crown Crown

princess

princess

CRT

cruces pi.

and guide itself. cruiser n. 1 high-speed warship.

2 =

CABIN CRUISER.

cruiserweight

n.

=

light

heavy

crumb

of crux.

/'kru:J*(a)l/ adj. 1 decisive, crit-

crucially adv. ical. 2 very important. [Latin crux cruris cross]

Usage The use of crucial in sense 2 should be restricted to informal contexts.

crucible

/'kru:sib(a)l/ n.

1

melting-pot

for metals etc. 2 severe test, [medieval Latin: related to crucial]

cruciferous

/kru:'sifaras/ adj. having flowers with four petals arranged in a cross. [Latin: related to crucial]

crucifix /'kru:sifiks/ n. model of a cross with the figure of Christ on it. [Latin crucifixus fixed to a cross]

crucifixion

/,kru:si'fikj(9)n/ n.

1

cruci-

fying or being crucified. 2 (Crucifixion) crucifixion of Christ. [Church Latin: related to crucifix]

cruciform

adj.

/'kru:si,fo:m/

cross-

shaped. [Latin crux cruris cross]

crucify /'kru:si,fai/ v. (-ies, -ied) 1 put to death by fastening to a cross. 2 persecute, torment. 3 slang defeat thoroughly; humiliate. [French: related to crucifix] crud n. slang 1 deposit of grease etc. 2

unpleasant person. cruddy adj. (-ier, -iest). [var. of curd] crude /kru:d/ -adj. 1 a in the natural state; not refined, b unpolished; lacking finish. 2 a rude, blunt, b offensive, indecent. 3 inexact, -n. natural mineral crudely adv. crudeness n. cruoil. dity n. [Latin crudus raw] crudites /,kru:di'tei/ n.pl. hors d'ceuvre of mixed raw vegetables. [French] cruel kru:al/ adj. (crueller, cruellest /

or crueler, cruelest) 1 causing pain or suffering, esp. deliberately. 2 harsh, cruelly adv. severe (a cruel blow).

cruelness

n.

cruelty

n.

{pi.

-ies).

[Latin: related to crude] /'kru:it/ n. 1 set of small salt, pepper, etc. containers for use at table. 2

cruet

a* container. [Anglo-French di2 minutive: related to crock ] cruise /kru:z/ - v. (-sing) 1 a travel by sea for pleasure, calling at ports, b sail

such

about. 2 travel at a relaxed or economical speed. 3 achieve an objective, esp. win a race etc. with ease. 4 slang search for a sexual (esp. homosexual) partner in bars, streets, etc. -n. cruising voyage. [Dutch: related to cross] cruise missile n. one able to fly low

WEIGHT.

grown]

crucial

cruse

203

wife of a Crown prince. 2 female heir to a throne. crown wheel n. wheel with teeth at right angles to its plane. crow's-foot n. wrinkle near the eye. crow's-nest n. shelter at a sailingship's masthead for a lookout man. crozier var. of crosier. abbr. cathode-ray tube. cru /kru:/ n. 1 French vineyard or wine region. 2 grade of wine. [French cru n. 1

/krAm/ -n. 1 a small fragment, esp. of bread, b small particle {crumb of comfort). 2 bread without crusts. 3 slang objectionable person, -v. cover with or break into breadcrumbs. [Old English] crumble /'krAmb(a)l/-u. (-ling) 1 break or fall into small fragments. 2 (of power etc.) gradually disintegrate, -n. dish of stewed fruit with a crumbly topping. crumbly adj. (-ier, -iest) consisting of, or apt to fall into, crumbs or fragments.

crumbliness

crumbs

n.

/krAmz/

int.

slang expressing

dismay or surprise, [euphemism

for

Christ]

crumby

/'krAmi/ adj. (-ier, -iest)

1

like

or covered in crumbs. 2 = crummy. crumhorn var. of krummhorn. adj. (-ier, -iest) slang dirty, crumsqualid; inferior, worthless. miness n. [var. of crumby] crumpet /'krAmpit/ n. 1 soft flat yeasty cake toasted and buttered. 2 joc. or offens. sexually attractive woman or women, [origin uncertain]

crummy

crumple

/'krAmp(a)l/

- v.

(-ling) (often

by up) 1 crush or become crushed into creases or wrinkles. 2 collapse, give way. -n. crease or wrinkle, [obsolete crump curl up] crunch -v. 1 a crush noisily with the teeth, b grind under foot, wheels, etc. 2 (often foil, by up, through) make a crunching sound, -n. 1 crunching; crunching sound. 2 colloq. decisive event or moment, [imitative] foil,

crunchy crisp,

adj.

(-ier,

crunchiness

-iest)

hard and

n.

strap looped under a hold the harness back. 2 hindquarters of a horse. [French:

crupper horse's

n.

1

tail to

related to croup

2 ]

1 hist any of several medieval military expeditions made by Europeans to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims. 2 vigorous campaign for a cause. -v. (-ding) engage crusader n. [French: in a crusade. related to cross] cruse /kru:z/ n. archaic earthenware pot. [Old English]

crusade

/kru:'seid/ -n.

crush crush

-r. 1 compress with force or violence, so as to break, bruise, etc. 2 reduce to powder by pressure. 3 crease or crumple. 4 defeat or subdue completely, -rc. 1 act of crushing. 2 crowded mass of people. 3 drink from the juice of crushed fruit. 4 (usu. foil, by on) colloq. infatuation. [French] crust -n. 1 a hard outer part of bread, b hard dry scrap of bread, c slang livelihood. 2 pastry covering of a pie. 3 hard casing over a soft thing. 4 outer portion of the earth. 5 deposit, esp. from wine on a bottle, -v. cover or become covered with or form into a crust. [Latin crusta rind, shell]

crustacean

esp. /krA'steiJ\a)n/ -n. aquatic arthropod with a hard shell, e.g. the crab, lobster, and shrimp, -adj. of crustaceans. crusty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 having a crisp crustily adv. crust. 2 irritable, curt,

crustiness

crutch

cubby-hole

204

usu. T-shaped support for a lame person fitting under the armpit. 2 support, prop. 3 crotch. [Old English] crux n. (pi cruxes or cruces /'kru:si:z/) decisive point at issue. [Latin, = cross] cruzado kru:'za:dau/ n. (pi -s) chief monetary unit of Brazil. [Portuguese] cruzeiro /kru:'zearao7 n. (pi -s) onethousandth of a cruzado. [Portuguese] cry krai/ -v. (cries, cried) 1 (often foil, by out) make a loud or shrill sound, esp. to express pain, grief, etc., or to appeal for help. 2 shed tears; weep. 3 (often foil, by out) say or exclaim loudly or excitedly. 4 (foil, by for) appeal, demand, or show a need for. 5 (of an animal, esp. a bird) make a loud call. -n. {pi. cries) 1 loud shout or scream of grief, pain, etc. 2 spell of weeping. 3 loud excited utterance. 4 urgent appeal. 5 a public demand or opinion, b rallying call. 6 call of cry down disparage, cry an animal, off withdraw from an undertaking, cry out for need as an obvious requirement or solution, cry wolf see wolf. [Latin quirito] n.

person

who weeps

fre-

quently.

cryer var. of crier. crying attrib. adj. (of injustice etc.) flagrant, demanding redress. cryogenics .kraiau^eniks/ n. branch of physics dealing with very low temcryogenic adj. [Greek peratures, kruos frost, -genes born] crypt /knpt/ n. vault, esp. beneath a church, used usu. as a burial-place. [Latin crypta from Greek kruptos hid-

mosses, and fungi, c cryptogamous tugemas/ adj. [as crypt, Greek gamos marriage]

cryptogram

/'kripta.graem/

n.

text

written in cipher, [related to crypt]

cryptography

/krip'tngrafi/ n. art of

writing or solving ciphers.

crypto-

grapher n. cryptographic

ta grsefik/

adj.

crystal

/'krist(a)l/ -n. 1 a transparent colourless mineral, esp. rock crystal, b piece of this. 2 a highly transparent glass; flint glass, b articles of this. 3 crystalline piece of semiconductor. 4 aggregation of molecules with a definite internal structure and the external form of a solid enclosed by symmetrically arranged plane faces, —adj. (usu. attrib.) made of, like, or clear as crystal.

[Greek krustallos] n.

glass globe used in

crystal-gazing.

crystal-gazing

n. supposed foretelling of the future by gazing into a crystal

ball.

crystalline /'knsta.lam/ adj. 1 of, like, or clear as crystal. 2 having the struccrystalture and form of a crystal. Unity /-'liniti/ n. crystallize /'krista.laiz/ v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 form into crystals. 2 (often foil, by out) (of ideas or plans) make or become definite. 3 make or become coated or impregnated with sugar (crystallized fruit). lization /-'zeij(a)n/ n.

crystallography

crystal-

/.kristalografi/

n.

science of crystal formation and struccrystallographer n. ture

crystalloid

/'knsta.loid/ n. substance is able to pass through a

that in solution

semipermeable membrane.

Cs

symb. caesium. c/s abbr. cycles per second.

CSE abbr.

hist.

Certificate of

Secondary

Education.

Usage The CSE examination was replaced in 1988 by GCSE.

CS gas

n. tear-gas used to control riots [Corson and Stoughton, names of chemists]

etc.

CTC abbr. City Technology College. Cu symb. copper. [Latin cuprum] cu. abbr. cubic.

cub -n.

1

young of a fox,

bear, lion, etc. 2

(Cub) (in full Cub Scout) junior Scout. 3 colloq.

young newspaper

(-bb-) (also

reporter, -v.

absol) give birth to (cubs),

unknown] cubby-hole /'kAbi.haul/ [origin

den]

cryptic adj. obscure in meaning; mysterious,

/'knpta.gaem/ n. plant with no true flowers or seeds, e.g. ferns,

crystal ball

n.

n. 1

cry-baby

cryptogam

cryptically adv.

secret,

n. 1 very small room. 2 snug space. [Low German]

cube cube

-n. 1 solid contained by six equal squares. 2 cube-shaped block. 3 product of a number multiplied by its square, -y. (-bing) 1 find the cube of (a number). 2 cut (food etc.) into small cubes. [Latin a

cubic

adj. 1 cube-shaped. 2 of three dimensions. 3 involving the cube (and no higher power) of a number {cubic

equation).

cubical adj. cube-shaped. cubicle /'kju:bik(a)l/ n. 1 small screened 2

small

separate

compartment. [Latin cubo

sleeping-

lie]

cubic metre etc. n. volume whose edge is one metre etc.

of a cube

cubism /'kju:biz(a)m/ n.

style in art, esp. painting, in which objects are represcubist n. & adj. geometrically. ented cubit /'kjuibit/ n. ancient measure of length, approximating to the length of a forearm. [Latin cubitum elbow] cuboid /'kju:boid/ -adj. cube-shaped; like a cube. -n. Geom. rectangular parallelepiped. cuckold /'kAkauld/ -n. husband of an adulteress, -i>. make a cuckold of.

cuckoldry

n.

correct

moment,

[origin

unknown]

/'kuku:/ -n. bird having a characteristic cry, and laying its eggs in the nests of small birds, -predic. adj. slang crazy. [French, imitative] cuckoo clock n. clock with the figure

of a cuckoo emerging to the hour.

make

a call on

cuckoo-pint n. wild arum, cuckoo-spit n. froth exuded by larvae on leaves, stems, etc. /'kju:kAmba(r)/

cucumber

insect 1

long

from Latin]

cud n.

half-digested food returned to the of ruminants for further chewing. [Old English] cuddle /'kAd(9)l/ -v. (-ling) 1 hug, fondle. 2 nestle together, lie close and snug. —n. prolonged and fond hug. cuddlesome adj. [origin uncertain] cuddly adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of a person,

mouth

and

ball. -v. (cues,

[var. of

queue]

cue-ball

n. ball to be struck with a cue. n. 1 end part of a sleeve. 2 US trouser turn-up. 3 (in pi.) colloq. handcuffs. off the cuff colloq. without preparation, extempore, [origin unknown] cuff2 -v. strike with an open hand. -n. such a blow, [perhaps imitative] cuff-link n. two joined studs etc. for fastening a cuff. Cufic var. of Kufic.

cufF

cuirass /kwi'raes/ n. armour breastplate and back-plate fastened together. [Latin corium leather]

cuisine

/kwi'zi:n/ n. style or

method

of

cooking. [French]

cul-de-sac

/'kAlda.saek/ n. (pi. culs-de-

sac pronunc. same, or cul-de-sacs) 1 road etc. with a dead end. 2 futile course. [French, = sack-bottom] suffix

forming

(orig.

nouns (molecule). [Latin

culinary

diminutive)

-cuius]

/'kAlmari/ adj. of or for cook-

ing. [Latin culina kitchen] cull -v. 1 select or gather

(knowledge

culled from books). 2 gather (flowers etc.). 3 a select (animals), esp. for killing, b reduce the population of (an animal) by selective slaughter, -n. 1 culling or being culled. 2 animal(s) culled. [French: related to collect ] 1

n.

green fleshy fruit, used in salads. 2 climbing plant yielding this. [French

toy, etc.) soft

long rod for strikcued, cueing or cuing) strike (a ball) with or use a cue.

ing a

-cule

[French]

cuckoo

yielding. 2 given to

cuddling.

cudgel

cuing) 1 give a cue to. 2 put (audio equipment) in readiness to play a particular section, eg cue in 1 insert a cue for. 2 give information to. on cue at the

cue 2 Billiards etc. -n.

from Greek]

cube root n. number which produces given number when cubed,

space.

cultivate

205

/'kAd3(a)l/ -n. short thick stick

used as a weapon, - v. (-11-; US -1-) beat with a cudgel. [Old English] cue -n. 1 a last words of an actor's speech as a signal to another to enter or speak, b similar signal to a musician etc. 2 a stimulus to perception etc. b signal 1

for action, c hint on appropriate behaviour. 3 cueing audio equipment (see sense 2 of v.). -v. (cues, cued, cueing or

culminate

(-ting) (usu. foil, by in) reach its highest or final culminapoint (culminate in war), tion /-'neij(8)n/ n. [Latin culmen top]

culottes

/'kAlmi.neit/

/Kju:'lDts/

v.

n.pl.

women's

trousers cut like a skirt. [French, = knee-breeches] culpable /'kAlpab(8)l/ adj. deserving culpability /-'biliti/ n. [Latin blame, culpo blame] culprit /'kAlpnt/ n. guilty person, [perhaps from Anglo-French culpable: see

culpable] cult n. 1 religious system,

sect, etc.. esp.

a devotion to a person or thing (cult of aestheticism). b fashion, c (attrib.) fashionable (cult film). [Latin: related to cultivate] cultivar /'kAlti,va:(r)/ n. plant variety produced by cultivation, [from cultivate, variety] ritualistic. 2

cultivate /'kAlti.veit/ v. pare and use (soil etc.)

(-ting) 1 prefor crops or gardening. 2 a raise (crops), b culture

cultivator etc.)-

-

cultivator

mechanical implement for breaking up the ground etc. 2 person n. 1

or thing that cultivates. /'kAltJar(a)l/ adj. of or relating

to intellectual or artistic matters, or to a /'kAltJa(r)/

-n.

1

a intellectual

achievement or expression lacking in culture), b refined

artistic

(city

appreciation of the arts etc. (person of culture). 2 customs, achievements, etc. of a particular civilization or group (Chinese culture). 3 improvement by mental or physical training. 4 cultivation of plants; rearing of bees etc. 5 quantity of micro-organisms and nutrient material supporting their growth. -v. (-ring) maintain (bacteria etc.) in suitable growth conditions. [Latin: related to cultivate]

oyster after the insertion of a foreign

body into

its shell.

culture shock

n. disorientation felt by a person subjected to an unfamiliar way life.

culture vulture

n.

colloq.

person

eager for cultural pursuits.

culvert

/'kAlvat/ n.

underground chan-

nel carrying water under a road etc. [origin unknown] prep. (usu. in comb.) with, combined with, also used as (bedroom-cum-

cum

study). [Latin]

cumbersome cumbrous bulky

etc.;

cumin

/'kAmbasam/

adj.

(also

/'kAmbras/) inconveniently unwieldy, [cumber hinder]

kAmm/

(also cummin) 1 plant with aromatic seeds. 2 these as /

[Latin

/.kAni'lingas/

of

female

the

cunnus vulva, lingo

oral

n.

genitals.

lick]

cunning

-adj. (-er, -est) 1 deceitful, clever, or crafty. 2 ingenious (cunning device). 3 US attractive, quaint, -n. 1 craftiness; deception. 2 skill, ingenuity.

cunningly adv. [Old Norse: related to CAN

n.

flavouring. [Greek kuminon]

cummerbund

/'kAma.bAnd/ n. waist sash. [Hindustani and Persian]

cumquat var.

of

cumulative

/'kjuimjulativ/

kumquat. 1

adv. cumulus /'kju:mjulas/ n. (pi. -11 /-,lai/) of rounded masses formation cloud heaped up on a flat base. [Latin, = heap] cuneiform /'kju:ni,fo:m/ -adj. 1 wedgeshaped. 2 of or using wedge-shaped writing, -n. cuneiform writing. [Latin

cuneus wedge]

coarse slang 1 female genitals. 2 unpleasant person, [origin un-

n.

certain]

cup

-n.

small bowl-shaped container

1

for drinking from. 2 a its contents, b = cupful. 3 cup-shaped thing. 4 flavoured wine, cider, etc., usu. chilled. 5 cupshaped trophy as a prize. 6 one's fate or fortune (a bitter cup), -v. (-pp-) 1 form (esp. the hands) into the shape of a cup. 2 take or hold as in a cup. one's cup of tea colloq. what interests or suits one.

[medieval Latin cuppa] /'kAbad/ n. recess or piece of furniture with a door and (usu.) shelves.

cupboard

cupboard love

n.

false affection for

Cup Final

n. final match in a (esp. football) competition,

cupful n. (pi. -s) 1 amount held by a cup, esp. US a half-pint or 8-ounce measure. 2 full

cup.

Usage A cupful is a measure, and so three cupfuls is a quantity regarded in terms of a cup; three cups full denotes the actual cups as in brought us three cups full of water.

Cupid

/'kju:pid/ n.

1

Roman god of love,

represented as a naked winged boy archer. 2 (also cupid) representation of Cupid. [Latin cupio desire]

cupidity

/kju:'piditi/ n. greed; avarice.

[Latin: related to Cupid]

bow n. upper an archery bow.

Cupid's like

cupola

adorning a

roof. 2

lip etc.

shaped

dome forming or revolving dome pro-

/'kju:pala/ n.

1

mounted guns. 3 furnace for cupolaed /-lad/ adj. melting metals. tecting

[Italian

from Latin cupa cask] colloq. 1 cup of.

cuppa /'kApa/ n. adj.

increasing or increased progressively in amount, force, etc. (cumulative evidence). 2 formed by successive additions (learning is a cumulative process).

cumulatively

]

cunt

gain.

cultured adj. having refined taste etc. cultured pearl n. pearl formed by an

of

stimulation

offens.

culturally adv.

specific culture,

and

cunnilingus

1

cultural

culture

curable

206

3 a (often as cultivated adj.) improve (the mind, manners, etc.). b nurture (a person, friendship, etc.). cultivable adj. cultivation / veij(3)n/ n. [Latin colo cult- till, worship]

(bacteria

2

cup of

tea. [corruption]

cupreous

/'kju:pnas/ adj. of or like 1 copper. [Latin: related to copper ] cupric /'kju:pnk/ adj. of copper.

cupro-nickel

/,kju:prau'nik(a)l/

and nickel. match in a competition

n.

alloy of copper

cup-tie

n.

for a

cup.

cur

mangy

ill-tempered dog. 2 contemptible person, [perhaps from Old n. 1

Norse kurr grumbling]

curable cured.

/'kjuarab(a)l/ adj.

curability

able to be

/-'biliti/ n.

Curasao Curasao

curriculum

207

/'kjuara.sau/ n. (pi. -s) orange-

curiosity

/.kjuari'Dsiti/ n.

(pi -ies>

1

llavoured liqueur. [Curasao, Caribbean

eager desire to know; inquisitiveness. 2

island]

strange, rare, etc. object. [Latin: related

curacy

/'kjuarasi/ n. (pi. -ies) curate's

or tenure of

office

curare

/kjua'ra:n/ n. extract of various

used by American Indians

plants,

to

/'kjuarat/ n. assistant to a parish

[medieval Latin curatus: related cure] n. thing that is good in

priest,

to

curate's egg parts.

curative

/'kjoarativ/ -adj. tending or able to cure. —n. curative agent, [medieval Latin: related to curate] curator /kjua'reita(r)/ n. keeper or custodian of a museum etc. r curatorship n. [Anglo-Latin: related to cure] curb -n. 1 check, restraint. 2 strap etc. passing under a horse's lower jaw, used as a check. 3 enclosing border, e.g. the frame round a well or a fender round a hearth. 4 = kerb. -v. 1 restrain. 2 put a curb on (a horse). [French: related to

curve]

curd

curiously adv.

[Latin: related to cure] /'kjuariam/ n. artificial radioactive metallic element. [M. and P. Curie, name of scientists] curl -v. 1 (often foil, by up) bend or coil into a spiral. 2 move in a spiral form. 3 a (of the upper lip) be raised contemptuously, b cause (the lip) to do this. 4 play curling, -n. 1 lock of curled hair. 2 anything spiral or curved inwards. 3 a curling movement, b being curled, curl one's lip express scorn, curl up 1 lie or sit with the knees drawn up. 2 colloq.

writhe in embarrassment

etc.

[Dutch]

curler

n.

pin or roller

curling

etc. for

the hair.

curlew

wading

bird, usu. [French] decorative curl or twist, [from curly, cue 2 or q ] curling n. game resembling bowls, played on ice with round flat stones, curly adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 having or arranged in curls. 2 moving in curves. /'k3:lju:/ n.

with a long slender

curlicue

bill.

/'k3:li kju:/ n. (

1

(often in pi.) coagulated acidic milk product made into cheese or eaten as food, [origin unknown] n.

curd cheese n. soft smooth cheese made from skimmed milk curds. curdle

/'k3:d(a)l/ v. (-ling) form into curds; congeal. make one's blood curdle horrify one. [from curd] cure -v. (-ring) 1 (often foil, by of) restore to health; relieve {cured of pleurisy). 2 eliminate (disease, evil, etc.). 3 preserve (meat, fruit, etc.) by salting, drying, etc. 4 vulcanize (rubber); harden (plastic etc.). -n. 1 restoration to health. 2 thing effecting a cure. 3 course of treatment. 4 curacy. [Latin cura care] cure /'kjuarei/ n. parish priest in France etc. [French]

cure-all

n.

curette

/kjua'ret/ -n. surgeon's small

panacea,

scraping-instrument, -v. (-tting) clean curettage or scrape with this. /-'retid3/ n. [French: related to cure] curfew /'k3:fju:/ n. 1 signal or time after which people must remain indoors. 2 hist, signal for extinction of fires at a fixed hour. [French: related to cover, Latin focus] Curia /'kjuaria/ n. (also curia) papal court; government departments of the Vatican. [Latin] :urie /'kjoari/ n. unit of radioactivity. [P. Curie, name of a scientist] :urio /'kjoariau/ n. (pi. -s) rare or unusual object, [abbreviation of curiv

osity]

/'kjoanas/ adj. 1 eager to learn; inquisitive. 2 strange, surprising, odd

curium

poison arrows. [Carib]

curate

to curious]

curious

it.

curliness

n.

n. = kale. /ka'mAd3(a)n/ n. badperson. curmudgeonly tempered

curly kale

curmudgeon adj. [origin

unknown]

currant

/'kArant/ n. 1 small seedless dried grape. 2 a any of various shrubs producing red, white, or black berries.

b such a berry. [Anglo-French from Corinth in Greece]

currency /'kAransi/ money in use in a

n. (pi. -ies) 1 a country, b other

commodity used as money. 2 being current; prevalence (e.g. of words or ideas).

current

-adj. 1 belonging to the present; happening now (current events). 2 (of money, opinion, rumour, etc.) in general circulation or use. -n. 1 body of moving water, air, etc., esp. passing

water etc. 2 a ordered of electrically charged parb quantity representing the ticles, intensity of this. 3 (usu. foil, by of) general tendency or course (of events, currentness n. [Latin opinions, etc.).

through

still

movement

curro curs- run]

current account ible

n.

instantly access-

bank account.

currently

adv.

at

the present time;

now.

curriculum

/ka'nkjulam/

n.

(pi.

-la)

subjects included in a course of study. [Latin, = course]

curriculum vitae curriculum vitae

/

count of one's education, career, etc. curry /'kAn/ -n. {pi. -ies) meat, vegetables, etc., cooked in a spicy sauce, usu. served with rice. -u. (-ies, -ied) prepare or flavour with a curry sauce. [Tamil] 1

curry 2

/'kAn/

v.

(-ies, -ied) 1

groom

(a

horse) with a curry-comb. 2 treat (tanned leather) to improve it. curry t

favour ingratiate

oneself. [Germanic:

related to ready]

curry-comb

n.

metal serrated device

grooming horses. n. mixture of turmeric, cumin, etc. for making curry. curse —n. 1 solemn invocation of divine wrath on a person or thing. 2 supposed for

curry-powder

resulting evil. 3 violent or profane exclamation or oath. 4 thing causing evil or harm. 5 (prec. by the) colloq. menstruation, -v. (-sing) 1 a utter a curse against, b (in imper.) may God curse. 2 (usu. in passive; foil, by with) afflict with. 3 swear profanely. [Old English]

cursed

/"k3:sid/ attrib. adj.

cursive

damned.

/'kaisiv/ -adj. (of writing)

with

joined characters, -n. cursive writing, [medieval Latin, = running: related to

current]

cursor

/'k3:sa(r)/ n. 1 Math. etc. transparent slide with a hairline, forming part of a slide-rule. 2 Computing indicator on a VDU screen identifying esp.

the position that the program will operate on with the next keystroke. [Latin, = runner: related to cursive] cursory /'k3:san/ adj. hasty, hurried. cursorily adv. cursoriness n. [Latin: related to cursor] curt adj. noticeably or rudely brief. curtly adv. curtness n. [Latin curtus short]

curtail /k3:'teil/ v. cut short; reduce. curtailment n. [corruption of obsolete adj. curtal. related to

curt]

curtain /'k3:t(a)n/ -n. 1 piece of cloth etc. hung as a screen, esp. at a window. 2 a rise or fall of a stage curtain between acts or scenes, b = curtain-call. 3 partition or cover. 4 (in pi.) slang the end. -v. 1 provide or cover with curtain(s). 2 (foil, by off) shut off with curtain(s). [Latin cortina]

curtain-call

summoning

n. audience's applause actors to take a bow.

curtain-raiser n. 1 short play before the main performance. 2 preliminary event. /'k3:tilid3/ n. esp. Law area attached to a house and forming one enclosure with it. [French: related to court] curtsy /'k3:tsi/ (also curtsey) -n. (pi. -ies or -eys) bending of the knees and

curtilage

custom

208

vi:tai/ n. brief ac-

made by

lowering of the body

woman

a girl or

acknowledgement of

in

ap-

plause or as a respectful greeting etc. -v. (-ies, -ied or -eys, -eyed) make a curtsy, [var. of courtesy]

curvaceous /k3:'veijas/ adj. (esp. of a woman) having a

colloq.

shapely

figure.

curvature

/'k3:vatja(r)/ n.

1

curving. 2

curved form. 3 deviation of a curve or curved surface from a plane. [French from Latin: related to curve] curve -rc. 1 line or surface of which no part is straight or flat. 2 curved form or thing. 3 curved line on a graph, -v. (-ving) bend or shape to form a curve. curved adj. [Latin curvus curved]

curvet

-n. horse's frisky leap. or -t-) perform a curvet. [Italian diminutive: related to curve]

-v.

/k3:'vet/

(-tt-

curvilinear

,

adj. con/ k3:vi lmia(r)/ tained by or consisting of curved lines. curvilinearly adv. [from curve 1

after rectilinear] adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 having many curves. 2 (of a woman's figure) shapely.

curvy

curviness

n.

cushion with

/'kuj(9)n/ -n. 1 bag stuffed soft material, for sitting or leaning

on etc. 2 protection against shock; measure to soften a blow. 3 padded rim of a billiard-table etc. 4 air supporting a hovercraft etc. -i>. 1 provide or protect with cushion(s). 2 mitigate the adverse effects of. [Latin culcita mattress]

cushy /'kuji/ adj. job

etc.)

easy

(-ier, -iest) colloq. (of a

and pleasant. [Hindi

khush pleasant]

cusp n.

point at which two curves meet, the horn of a crescent moon etc. [Latin cuspis -id- point, apex] cuss colloq. —n. 1 curse. 2 usu. derog. person; creature, -v. curse, [var. of curse] cussed /'kAsid/ adj. colloq. stubborn. e.g.

cussedness

n.

custard

/'kAstad/ n. pudding or sweet sauce of eggs or flavoured cornflour and

custodian keeper.

custody

related

crustade:

milk, [obsolete crust]

/kA'staudian/

n.

custodianship /'kAstadi/ n.

1

to

guardian or n.

guardianship;

take custodial

protective care. 2 imprisonment.

into

custody

/kA'staodial/

arrest.

adj.

[Latin

custos

-od-

guard]

custom

/'kAStam/ n. 1 a usual behaviour, b particular established way of behaving. 2 Law established usage having the force of law. 3 regular business dealings or customers. 4 (in pi.; also treated as sing.) a duty on imports and

customary

custom-built adj. made to order.

(also

custom-made)

n. 1 person who buys goods or services from a shop or business. 2 person of a specified kind colloq. (awkward customer). [Anglo-French:

customer

related to custom]

custom-house

n.

customs

office at

a

port or frontier etc.

customize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make or modify to order; personalize. -v. (-tt-; past and past part, cut) 1 wound with a sharp-edged instrument. 2 (often foil, by into) divide or be divided with a knife etc. 3 trim or detach by cutting. 4 (foil, by loose, open, etc.) loosen etc. by cutting. 5 (esp. as cutting adj.) wound (cutting remark). 6 (often foil, by down) reduce (wages, time, etc.) or cease (services etc.). 7 a make (a coat, gem, key, record, etc.) by cutting, b make (a path, tunnel, etc.) by removing material. 8 perform, make (cut a caper, cut a sorry

cut

(also absol.) penetrate or

figure). 9 (also absol.) cross, intersect. 10 (foil, by across, through, etc.) traverse, esp. as a shorter way (cut across the grass). 11a deliberately ignore (a

person one knows), b renounce

(a con-

nection). 12 esp. US deliberately miss (a class etc.). 13 Cards a divide (a pack) into two parts, b do this to select a dealer etc. 14 a edit (film or tape), b (often in imper.) stop filming or recording, c (foil, to) go quickly to (another shot). 15 switch off (an engine etc.). 16 chop (a ball), -n. 1 cutting. 2 division or wound made by cutting. 3 stroke with a knife, sword, whip, etc. 4 a reduction (in wages etc.). b cessation (of power supply etc.). 5 removal of lines etc. from a play, film, etc. 6 wounding remark or act. 7 style of hair, garment, etc. achieved by cutting. 8 particular piece of butchered meat. 9 colloq. commission; share of profits. 10

by

stroke

made by

cutting. 11 deliberate

a ignoring of a person. 12 = woodcut, cut above colloq. noticeably superior to. be cut out (foil, by for, or to + infin.) be suited, cut across 1 transcend (normal limitations etc.). 2 see sense 10 of v. cut and run slang run away, cut back 1 reduce (expenditure etc.). 2 prune (a tree etc.). cut both ways 1 serve both sides of an

cutler

209

exports, b official department administering this, c area at a port, frontier, etc., dealing with customs etc. [Latin consuetudo] customary adj. in accordance with customarily adv. custom, usual. customariness n. [medieval Latin: related to custom]

argument etc.

have both good and bad

2 (of an action) effects,

cut a

corner go across

it.

cut corners do

perfunctorily or incompletely, esp. to save time, cut a dash make a brilliant show, cut a person dead deliberately ignore (a person one knows), cut down 1 a bring or throw down by cutting, b kill by sword or disease. 2 see sense 6 of v. 3 reduce the length of (cut down trousers to make shorts). 4 (often foil, by on) reduce consumption (cut down on beer), cut a person down to size colloq. deflate a person's pretensions, cut in 1 interrupt. 2 pull in too closely in front of another vehicle, cut it fine allow very little margin of time etc. cut it out (usu. in imper.) slang stop doing that, cut one's losses abandon an unprofitable scheme, cut no ice slang have no influence, cut off 1 remove by cutting. 2 a (often in passive) bring to an abrupt end or (esp. early) death, b intercept, interrupt, c disconnect (a person on the telephone). 3 a prevent from travelling, b (as cut off ad/.) isolated or remote. 4 disinherit, cut out 1 remove from inside by cutting. 2 make by cutting from a larger whole. 3 omit. 4 colloq. stop doing or using (something) (cut out chocolate). 5 (cause to) cease functioning (engine cut out). 6 outdo or supplant (a rival), cut short interrupt; terminate, cut one's teeth on acquire experience from, cut a tooth have it appear through the gum. cut up 1 cut into pieces. 2 (usu. in passive) distress greatly, cut up rough slang show anger or resentment. [Old English]

cut and dried cided;

1 completely de2 (of opinions etc.)

adj.

inflexible.

ready-made, lacking freshness.

cut and thrust

n. lively argument etc. /kju:'temi8s/ adj. of the skin. [Latin: related to cuticle] cutaway attrib. adj. (of a diagram etc ) with parts of the exterior left out to reveal the interior. cut-back n. cutting back, esp. a reduc-

cutaneous

tion in expenditure.

cute

adj. colloq.

1

esp.

US

attractive,

cutely quaint. 2 clever, ingenious. adv. cuteness n. [shortening of ACUTE] cut glass n. (often hypenated when attrib.) glass with patterns cut on it. cuticle /'kju:tik(o)l/ n. dead skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail. [Latin diminutive of cutis skin] cutis /'kju:tis/ n. true skin, beneath the epidermis. [Latin] /'kAtlas/ n. hist, short sword with a slightly curved blade. [Latin cultellus: related to cutler] cutler n. person who makes or deals in knives etc. [Latin cultellus diminutive: related to coulter]

cutlass

cutlery /'kAtlan/ n. knives, forks, and spoons for use at table. [Anglo-French: related to cutler]

cutlet

/'kAtlit/ n. 1 neck-chop of mutton or lamb. 2 small piece of veal etc. for frying. 3 flat cake of minced meat or nuts and breadcrumbs etc. [French diminutive from Latin costa rib] cut-off n. 1 (often attrib.) point at which something is cut off. 2 device for stopping a flow. cut-out n. 1 figure cut out of paper etc. 2 device for automatic disconnection, the release of exhaust gases, etc. cut-price adj. (also cut-rate) at a

reduced price.

cutter n.1a person or thing that cuts, b a small fast sailingb small boat carried by a large

(in pi. ) cutting tool. 2

ship, ship.

1 murderer. 2 (in full cutthroat razor) razor with a long

unguarded blade

set in a handle, -adj. 1 (of competition) ruthless and intense. 2 (of a card-game) three-handed.

cutting -n.

1 piece cut from a newsetc. 2 piece cut from a plant for propagation. 3 excavated channel in a hillside etc. for a railway or road. -adj. cuttingly adv. see cut v. 5. cuttlefish /'kAt(8)lftJ7 n. (pi. same or -es) mollusc with ten arms and ejecting a black fluid when threatened. [Old English] cutwater n. 1 forward edge of a ship's prow. 2 wedge-shaped projection from a pier or bridge. cuvee /kju:'vei/ n. blend or batch of wine. [French, = vatful] c.v. abbr. (also CV) curriculum vitae. /ku:m/ n. (in Wales) = coomb. [Welsh] cwt abbr. hundredweight. -cy suffix denoting state, condition, or status (idiocy, captaincy). [Latin -cia,

paper

cwm

-kia]

cyanic acid

/sai'aenik/ n. unstable colourless pungent acid gas. [Greek kuanos a blue mineral] cyanide /'saia.naid/ n. highly poisonous substance used in the extraction of gold

and

silver.

cyanogen

/sai'aenad3(a)n/

poisonous gas used in

cyanosis

n.

highly

fertilizers.

bluish skin due to oxygen-deficient blood. /.saia'nausis/ n.

cybernetics

with unconventional or nihilistic social values, [from cybernetics, punk] cycad /'saikaed/ n. palmlike plant often growing to a great height. [Greek koix Egyptian palm] cyclamate /'saikla.meit/ n. former artificial sweetener, [chemical name] cyclamen /'siklaman/ n. 1 plant with pink, red, or white flowers with backward-turned petals. 2 cyclamen red or pink. [Latin from Greek] cycle /'saik(a)l/ -n. 1 a recurrent round or period (of events, phenomena, etc.). b time needed for this. 2 a Physics etc. recurrent series of operations or states, b Electr. = hertz. 3 series of related songs, poems, etc. 4 bicycle, tricycle, etc. -v. (-ling) 1 ride a bicycle etc. 2 move in cycles. [Greek kuklos circle]

cycle-track n.

cutthroat -n.

Greek

cynic

210

cutlery

/.saiba'netiks/ n.pl. (usu. treated as sing.) science of communications and control systems in machines cybernetic adj. and living things. [Greek kubernetes steersman] cyberpunk /'saiba.pAnk/ n. science fiction writing combining high-tech plots

(also cycle-way) path or road for bicycles. cyclic /'saiklik/ adj. (also cyclical /'siklik(a)l/) 1 a recurring in cycles, b belonging to a chronological cycle. 2 with constituent atoms forming a ring. cyclically adv. cyclist /'saiklist/ n. rider of a bicycle. cyclo- comb, form circle, cycle, or cyclic. cyclone /'saiklaun/ n. 1 winds rotating inwards to an area of low barometric

pressure; depression. 2 violent hurricane of limited diameter. cyclonic

[Greek kukloma wheel] n. apparatus for the acceleration of charged atomic and subatomic particles revolving in a magnetic field. cygnet /'signit/ n. young swan. [Latin cygnus swan from Greek] cylinder /'silmda(r)/ n. 1 uniform solid or hollow body with straight sides and a /-'klonik/ adj.

cyclotron

/'saikla.tron/

circular section. 2 thing of this shape, e.g. a container for liquefied gas, a cylinpiston-chamber in an engine. drical /-'lmdnk(a)l/ adj. [Latin cylin-

drus from Greek]

cymbal

/'simb(a)l/

n.

concave

disc,

struck usu. with another to make a cymbalist n. [Latin ringing sound. from Greek] cyme /saim/ n. flower cluster with a single terminal flower that develops cymose adj. [Greek kuma wave] first. Cymric /'kimnk/ adj. Welsh. [Welsh Cymru Wales] cynic /'smik/ n. 1 person with a pessimistic view of human nature. 2 (Cynic) one of a school of ancient Greek philosophers showing contempt for cynical adj. cynease and pleasure. ically adv. cynicism /-,siz(a)m/ n. [Greek kuon dog]

cynosure cynosure

/'sama.zjuafr)/ n. centre of

attraction or admiration. [Greek, dog's tail (name for Ursa Minor)]

cypher

=

var. of cipher.

cypress /'saipras/ n. conifer with hard wood and dark foliage. [Greek kuparis/'sipnat/ (also

Cypriote

/-aut/)

-n. native or national of Cyprus, -adj. of Cyprus. [Cyprus in E. Mediterranean] Cyrillic /si'nlik/ -adj. of the alphabet used by the Slavonic peoples of the

Orthodox Church, now used esp. for Russian and Bulgarian, -n. this alphabet. [St Cyril, d. 869] /sist/ n. sac formed in the body, containing liquid matter. [Greek kustis bladder] cystic adj. 1 of the bladder. 2 like a cyst, cystic fibrosis n. hereditary disease usu. with respiratory infections.

cyst

cystitis /si'staitis/ n. inflammation of the bladder usu. causing frequent painful urination.

-cyte comb, form mature cell [Greek kutos vessel]

{leucocyte).

cytology

/sai'tDlad3i/ n. the study of cytological /-ta'lDd3ik(9)l/ adj. cytologist n. [Greek kutos vessel] cells.

sos]

Cypriot

Czechoslovak

211

cytoplasm

/'saitau plaez(9)m/ n. protocell apart from its (

plasmic content of a nucleus.

cytoplasmic

/-'plaezmik/

adj.

czar

var. of tsar

Czech

/tjek/ -n. 1 native or national of Czechoslovakia. 2 one of the two official languages of Czechoslovakia, -adj. of Czechoslovakia, its people, or language.

[Bohemian Cech]

Czechoslovak

/.tjeka'slguvaek/ (also /-sla'vaekian/) -n.

Czechoslovakian

native or national of Czechoslovakia. -adj. of Czechoslovakia, [from Czech,

Slovak]

D D

1

(also d) (pi

n.

di:

Ds

or D's)

letter of the alphabet. 2

1

fourth

Mus. second

note of the diatonic scale of C major. 3 (as a

roman numeral)

500. 4

= dee. 5

fourth highest class or category (of aca-

demic marks

D

2

etc.).

symb. deuterium.

d. abbr. 1 died. 2 departs. 3 daughter. 4 hist (pre-decimal) penny, [sense 4 from

Latin denarius]

pronouns) had, [abbreviation] dab -v. (-bb-) 1 (often foil, by at) repeatedly press briefly and lightly with a cloth etc. (dabbed at her eyes). 2 press (a cloth etc.) thus. 3 (foil, by on) apply by dabbing. 4 (often foil, by at) aim a feeble blow; strike lightly, -n. 1 dabbing. 2 small amount thus applied (dab of paint). 3 light blow. 4 (in pi) slang fingerprints, [imitative] dab 2 n. (pi same) a kind of marine flat'd

collog. (usu. after

v.

would

(I'd; he'd),

1

fish, [origin

dabble

unknown]

v. (-ling) 1 (usu. foil, (in an activity etc.) superficially. 2 move the feet, hands, etc. in esp. shallow liquid. 3 wet partly;

by

in,

'daeb(a)L

at)

engage

dabbler n. [from dab = little grebe. 1

stain, splash, z

dabchick

]

'dasbtjik, n.

[Old English]

dab hand

n. (usu. foil, by at) colloq. expert, [dab adept, origin unknown] da capo da: 'ka:pao7 adv. Mus. repeat

from the beginning. [Italian] n. (pi same) small freshwater

dace

related to the related to dart]

dacha

"daetja

carp.

n.

[French

fish

dars:

Russian country

cot-

tage. [Russian]

'daekshund/ n. dog of a short-legged long-bodied breed. [Ger-

man, = badger-dog] dactyl 'daektil n. metrical

foot consist-

ing of one long syllable followed by two short syllables (-u u). z dactylic tilik adj. [Greek, = finger] dad n. colloq. father, [imitative of a child's da da] Dada /'daida:/ n. early 20th-c. artistic and literary movement repudiating conventions, z Dadaism -da,iz(a)m n. -

-

istik

daddy

-daist/ n.

adj.

&

adj.

Dadaistic

[French dada hobby-horse]

daedi/ n. (pi -ies) colloq. father.

crane-fly.

ation]

daffodil /'daefadil/ n. spring bulb with a yellow trumpet-shaped flower, [related to asphodel] daft /da:ft/ adj. colloq. silly, foolish, crazy. [Old English, = meek] dagger n. 1 short pointed knife used as a weapon. 2 Printing = obelus, z at daggers drawn in bitter enmity, look daggers at glare angrily at. [origin uncertain]

dago

/'deigau/ n. (pi -s) slang offens. foreigner, esp. a Spaniard, Portuguese, or Italian. [Spanish Diego = James] daguerreotype /da'gerau.taip/ n. early photograph using a silvered plate and mercury vapour. [Daguerre, name of its

inventor]

dahlia

/'deilia/ n.

n.

(pi

same)

large-flowered

showy

garden plant. [Dahl, name of a botanist] Dail dail/ n. (in full Dail Eireann /'eiran/) lower house of parliament in the Republic of Ireland. [Irish, = assembly (of Ireland)] daily /'deili -adj. done, produced, or occurring every day or every weekday. -adv. 1 every day. 2 constantly, -n. (pi -ies) colloq. 1 daily newspaper. 2 cleaning

woman.

bread

n.

necessary

food;

livelihood. dainty i'demtil -adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 delicately pretty. 2 delicate or small. 3 (of food) choice. 4 fastidious; discriminating, -n. (pi -ies) choice delicacy, z daintily adv. daintiness n. [Latin dignitas dignity] daiquiri /'daikari/ n. (pi -s) cocktail of rum, lime juice, etc. [Daiquiri in Cuba] dairy /'dean/ n. (pi -ies) 1 place for processing, distributing, or selling milk and its products. 2 (attrib.) of, contain-

used for, dairy products (and sometimes eggs) (dairy cow). [Old

ing, or

English]

dairying

n.

dairy

farming

and

woman

employed

in a

distribution.

dairymaid

[from dad]

daddy-long-legs

'deidao/ n. (pi -s) 1 lower, differently decorated, part of an interior wall. 2 plinth of a column. 3 cube of a pedestal between the base and the cornice. [It2 alian: related to die ] daemon var. of demon 4. daff n. colloq. = daffodil, [abbrevi-

daily

dachshund

Dadaist

dado

n.

dairy.

dairyman

n.

dealer in dairy products.

dais

dance

213

dais /'dens/ n. low platform, usu. at the upper end of a hall. [Latin discus disc, (later) table]

daisy

circumstance, evidence, etc.) show or prove to be guilty, b be the ruin of. -n. 1 uttered curse. 2 slang negligible

/'deizi/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 small wild plant with white-petalled flowers. 2 plant with similar flowers. [Old English,

amount, -adj. &adv.

= day 's

(damn

eye]

daisy wheel

spoked disc bearing

n.

printing characters, used in cessors and typewriters. dal var. of dhal.

Dalai

word

Lama /.daelai 'la:ma/ n.

pro-

spiritual

head of Tibetan Buddhism. [Mongolian dalai ocean]

dalliance

n.

Dalmatian

[French]

/dael'meij\9)n/

large

n.

white spotted short-haired dog. [Dalmatia in Croatia]

dal segno /dael 'seinjau/ adv. Mus. repeat from the point marked by a sign. [Italian, = from the sign] 1

-n.

barrier across river

1

etc.,

forming a reservoir or preventing flooding. 2 barrier made by beaver, -v. (-mm-) 1 provide or confine with a dam. 2 (often foil, by up) block up; obstruct. [Low German or Dutch] dam 2 n. mother, esp. of a four-footed animal, [var. of dame]

damage /'daemid3/-«. 1 harm or injury. 2 (in pi. ) Law financial compensation for loss or injury. 3 (prec. by the) slang cost. -v. (-ging) inflict damage on. [Latin

damnum] /'daema,si:n/

-v.

(-ning)

decorate (metal) by etching or inlaying esp. with gold or silver, -n. design or article produced in this way. -adj. of

[Damascus in Syria] reversible /'daemask/ -n. figured woven fabric, esp. white table linen, -adj. 1 made of damask. 2 velvety pink. -v. weave with figured designs. this process,

damask

[as

DAMASCENE]

damask rose n. to

dame

make

n.

1

old sweet-scented rose

attar.

(Dame) a

title

given to a

woman holding any of several orders of chivalry, b woman holding this title. 2 comic middle-aged female pantomime character, usu. played by a man. 3 US slang woman. [Latin domina lady] dame-school n. hist, primary school kept by an elderly woman.

dammit

well

well do as I say),

damn with

faint praise commend feebly, and so imply disapproval. I'm (or I'll be) damned if colloq. I certainly do not. will not, etc. not give a damn see give, well I'm (or I'll be) damned colloq. exclamation of surprise etc. [Latin damnum

damnable

/'daemnab(a)l/ adj. hateful, damnably adv. /daem'neij(a)n/ -n. eternal punishment in hell. -int. expressing

annoying.

damnation anger.

damned

/daemd/ colloq. -attrib. adj.

damnable, -adv. extremely (damned hot), damned well = damn well, do one's damnedest do one's utmost.

damp -adj.

slightly wet. -n. slight diffused or condensed moisture, esp. when unwelcome. -v. 1 make damp; moisten. 2 (often foil, by down) a temper; mute (damps my enthusiasm), b make (a fire) burn less strongly by reducing the flow of air to it. 3 reduce or stop the vibration of (esp. strings of a musical damply adv. dampinstrument).

ness

n.

[Low German]

damp course

n.

(also

damp-proof

course) layer of waterproof material in a wall near the ground, to prevent rising

damp.

damascene

used

damn

all slang nothing at all. colloq. (for emphasis) simply

loss]

dale n. valley. [Old English] dally /'daeli/ v. (-ies, -ied) 1 delay; waste time. 2 (often foil, by with) flirt, trifle.

dam

= damned.

colloq.

damn

/'daemit/

int. colloq.

damn

it.

damn /daem/ -v. 1 (often absol. or as int. of anger or annoyance, = may God damn) curse (a person or thing). 2 doom to hell; cause the damnation of. 3 condemn, censure (review damning the

book). 4 a (often as

damning

adj.) (of

dampen (often

make

1

v.

foil,

or become damp. 2

by down) = damp

damper

n.

damson

/'daemz(a)n/

v.

2a.

discouraging person or thing. 2 device that reduces shock or noise. 3 metal plate in a flue to control the draught. 4 Mus. pad silencing a put a damper on take piano string. the vigour or enjoyment out of. damp squib n. unsuccessful attempt to impress etc. damsel /'daemz(e)l/ n. archaic or literary young unmarried woman. [French diminutive: related to dame] damselfly n. insect like a dragonfly but with wings folded when resting. 1

n. 1 (in full

dam-

son plum) small dark-purple plum.

2

dark-purple colour. [Latin: related to

damascene]

dan

n. 1 grade of proficiency in judo. 2 holder of such a grade. [Japanese] dance /da:ns/ -v. (-cing) 1 move rhyth mically, usu. to music. 2 skip or jump about. 3 perform (a specified dance, role, etc.). 4 bob up and down. 5 dandle (a child). -n. 1 a dancing as an art form, b style or form of this. 2 social gathering

dancehall

darkroom

2U

for dancing. 3 single round or turn of a dance. 4 music for dancing to. 5 lively

daphne

motion, dance attendance on serve obsequiously, lead a person a dance (or merry dance) cause a person much

dapper

danceable

trouble.

adj.

dancer

n.

dancehall

n. public hall for dancing, dilatation (of the cervix) and curettage (of the uterus),

and c. n.

dandelion

/'daendi.laian/ n. wild plant

with jagged leaves, a yellow flower, and a fluffy seed-head. [French dent-de-lion,

=

lion's tooth]

dander n. colloq.

temper, indignation. get one's dander up become angry. [origin uncertain]

dandify

/'daendi.fai/

(-ies, -ied)

v.

make

a dandy.

dandle

n.

any of various

flowering shrubs. [Greek] adj. 1 neat and precise, esp. in dress. 2 sprightly. [Low German or

Dutch dapper strong]

dapple

/'daep(9)l/ -v.

mark

(-ling)

or

become marked with spots of colour or

[French] d.

/'daefni/

/'daend(a)l/

on unknown] child)

v.

(-ling)

knees

one's

bounce

etc.

(a

[origin

dandruff /'daendrAf/

n. 1 flakes of dead skin in the hair. 2 this as a condition, [origin uncertain] dandy /'daendi/ -n. (pi. -ies) 1 man

greatly devoted to style

and fashion.

2

colloq. excellent thing, -adj. (-ier, -iest)

US colloq. splendid, [perhaps from name Andrew] dandy-brush n. brush for grooming a esp.

the

horse.

shade,

-n.

dappled

effect,

[origin

unknown] dapple-grey

adj. (of an animal's coat) grey or white with darker spots, n. dapple-grey horse.

dapple grey

Darby and Joan /,da:bi and

'd3aun/ n.

devoted old married couple, [names of a couple in an 18th-c. poem]

Darby and Joan club

n. club for pensioners. -v. (-ring; 3rd sing, present usu. dare before an expressed or implied

dare

without to) 1 (foil, by infin. with or without to) have the courage or impudence (to) (dare he do it?; if they dare to come; how dare you?). 2 (usu. foil, by to + infin.) defy or challenge (/ dare you to own up), -n. 1 act of daring. 2 challenge, esp. to prove courage, p I dare say 1 (often foil, by that) it is probable. 2 probably; I grant that much. infinitive

[Old English]

daredevil -n.

recklessly daring person, -adj. recklessly daring, z dare-

devilry

n.

daring -n. adventurous

causing

courage, -adj. adventurous, bold; prepared to take risks, p daringly adv. dariole /'daeri.aul/ n. dish cooked and served in a small mould. [French] dark -adj. 1 with little or no light. 2 of deep or sombre colour. 3 (of a person) with dark colouring. 4 gloomy, dismal. 5 evil, sinister. 6 sullen, angry. 7 secret, mysterious. 8 ignorant, unenlightened. -n. 1 absence of light. 2 lack of knowledge. 3 dark area or colour, esp. in after dark after nightfall, painting. the Dark Ages (or Age) 1 period of

danger, z dangerously adv. dangle /'daeng(a)l/ v. (-ling) 1 be loosely

European history from the 5th-10th c. 2 period of supposed unenlightenment.

Dane

native or national of Denmark. 2 hist. Viking invader of England in the 9th-llth c. [Old Norse] danger /'demd39(r)/ n. 1 liability or exposure to harm. 2 thing that causes or may cause harm, p in danger of likely to incur or to suffer from, [earlier = 'power', from Latin dominus lord] danger list n. list of those dangerously n.

1

ill.

danger money

n.

extra

payment

for

dangerous work.

dangerous

adj. involving or

suspended and able

to

sway. 2 hold or

carry thus. 3 hold out (hope, temptation, etc.) enticingly, [imitative]

Danish

/'demiJV -adj. of Denmark or the Danes, -n. 1 Danish language. 2 (prec. by the; treated as pi.) the Danish people. [Latin: related to Dane] Danish blue n. white blue-veined cheese. Danish pastry n. yeast cake topped with icing, fruit, nuts, etc. dank adj. disagreeably damp and cold, dankly adv. dankness n. [probably

Scandinavian]

in the dark 1 lacking information. 2 with no light, z darkish adj. darkly adv. darkness n. [Old English] darken v. make or become dark or darker, z never darken a person's door keep away permanently, z dark-

ener

n.

dark glasses

n.pl. spectacles with dark-tinted lenses. dark horse n. little-known person who is unexpectedly successful. darkie var. of darky. darkroom n. darkened room for photo-

graphic work.

darky darky offens.

(also

darkie)

(pi.

-ies)

slang

Black person.

darling

-n.

beloved, lovable, or endearing person or thing. 2 favourite, -ad/. 1 beloved, lovable. 2 colloq. charming or pretty. [Old English: related to dear] darn -v. mend (cloth etc.) by filling a hole with stitching, -n. darned area, [origin uncertain] /'dailin/

1

1

darn 2 v., (in

int., adj.,

&adv.

colloq.

= damn

imprecatory senses), [corruption]

&

darned

adj.

darnel

/'da:n(a)l/ n.

adv. colloq. = damned. grass growing in cereal crops, [origin unknown]

darner n. needle for darning. darning n. 1 act of darning. 2

things to

be darned. dart -n. 1 small pointed missile. 2 (in pi. usu. treated as sing.) indoor game of throwing darts at a dartboard to score points. 3 sudden rapid movement. 4 ;

dartlike structure, e.g. an insect's sting. 5 tapering tuck in a garment, -v. (often by out, in, past, etc.) move, send, or go suddenly or rapidly. [French from

foil,

Germanic]

dartboard

circular target in darts. Darwinian /darwinian/ -adj. of Darwin's theory of evolution, -n. adherent Darwinism / da: / n. Darwinof this. ist /'da:-/ n. [Darwin, name of a naturn.

alist]

dash

rush. 2 strike or fling forcefully, esp. so as to shatter (dashed it to dispirit frustrate, the ground). 3 (dashed their hopes). 4 colloq. (esp. dash it or dash it all) = damn v. 1. -n. 1 rush or onset; sudden advance. 2 horizontal stroke (-) in writing or printing to mark a pause etc. 3 impetuous vigour; capacity for or appearance of this. 4 US sprinting-race. 5 longer signal of two in Morse code (cf. dot n. 2). 6 slight admixture, esp. of a liquid. 7 = dashboard. dash off write or draw hurriedly, -u.

1

[imitative]

dashboard

instrument panel of a

n.

vehicle or aircraft.

dashing adj.

1

spirited, lively. 2

showy.

dashingly adv. dashingness n. dastardly /'daestadh/ adj. cowardly, despicable. uncertain]

dastardliness

DAT /daet/ abbr. data

dative

215

n.

digital

n.

[origin

audio tape.

Usage (1) In scientific, philosophical, and general use,

as the singular. allied subjects

give]

(2)

In computing

(and

sometimes

and in

treated as a

it is

in a computer.

datable

/'deit8b(8)l/ adj. (often foil, by capable of being dated, data capture n. entering of data into a computer. to)

data processing

n.

series of opera-

on data, esp. by a computer, data processor n. date -n. 1 day of the month, esp. as a number. 2 particular, esp. historical, day or year. 3 day, month, and year of writing etc., at the head of a document etc. 4 period to which a work of art etc. belongs. 5 time when an event takes tions 1

place. 6 colloq. a appointment, esp. social with a person of the opposite sex. b US person to be met at this. -v. (-ting) 1 mark with a date. 2 a assign a date to (an object, event, etc.). b (foil, by to) assign to a particular time, period, etc. 3

(often foil, by from, back to, etc.) have its origins at a particular time. 4 appear or expose as old-fashioned (design that does not date: that hat dates you). 5 US colloq. a make a date with, b go out out of together as sexual partners. date (attrib. out-of-date) old-fashioned, obsolete, to date until now. up to date (attrib. up-to-date) modern; fashionable; current. [French: related to data] date 2 n. 1 dark oval single-stoned fruit. 2 (in full date-palm) tree bearing it. [Greek: related to dactyl, from the shape of the leaf] date-line n. 1 north south line partly along the meridian 180 from Greenwich, to the east of which the date is a day earlier than to the west. 2 date and place of writing at the head of a news-

paper article

from do

usually

data bank n. store or source of data, database n. structured set of data held

date-stamp

[Latin data

is

verbs, e.g. useful data has been collected. Some people consider use (2) to be incorrect but it is more common than use (1). However, data is not a singular countable noun and cannot be preceded by a. every, each, either, or neither, or be given a plural form datas.

although the singular form is strictly datum) 1 known facts used for inference or in reckoning. 2 quantities or characters operated on by a computer etc.

word

mass (or collective) noun and used with words like this, that, and much, with singular general use),

treated as sing.,

/'deita/ n.pl. (also

this

considered to denote a number of items and is thus treated as plural with datum

etc.

adjustable rubber record a date. -v. mark with a date-stamp. dative /'deitiv/ Gram. -n. case expressing the indirect object or recipient.

stamp

etc.

-n.

used

to

datum

DD

216

-adj. of or in this case. [Latin: related to

when

data]

end a period of

datum deitam daub do:t>/ -v.

1 spread (paint etc.) crudely or roughly. 2 coat or smear (a surface) with paint etc. 3 paint crudely or unskilfully, -n. 1 paint etc. daubed on a surface. 2 plaster, clay, etc., esp. coating laths or wattles to form a wall. 3 crude painting. [Latin: related to de-, alb] daughter ,/'do:ta(r)/ n. 1 girl or woman in relation to her parent(s). 2 female descendant. 3 (foil, by of) female member of a family etc. 4 (foil, by of) female descendant or inheritor of a quality etc. z daughterly adj. [Old English]

n.

(pi.

daughters-

in-law) son's wife. /do:nt/ v. discourage, intimidate, z daunting adj. [Latin domito from domo tame] dauntless adj. intrepid, persevering.

daunt

dauphin the King

'doifm/ n. hist, eldest son of of France. [French from Latin

delphinus dolphin, as a family name] /'daevan.po^/ n. 1 small writing-desk with a sloping top. 2 US

Davenport large sofa,

davit

[name of the maker] small crane on board for moving or holding a life-

/'daevit/ n.

ship, esp. boat. [French diminutive of David]

Davy

/'deivi/ n. (pi. -ies) (in full

Davy

lamp) miner's safety lamp, [name of its inventor]

Davy Jones

/.deivi 'd3aunz/ n.

slang (in

Davy Jones's locker) bottom of the

full

sea, esp. as the sailors' graveyard, [ori-

gin

unknown]

daw

n.

= jackdaw. [Old English]

dawdle

/'do:d(a)l/

v.

(-ling)

1

walk

slowly and idly. 2 waste time; procrastinate, [origin

said

and done, call it a day day after day

activity,

without respite, day and night

see data.

daughter-in-law

all is

unknown]

dawn

-n. 1 daybreak. 2 beginning or birth of something, -v. 1 (of a day) begin; grow light. 2 (often foil, by on, upon) begin to become obvious (to). [Old English]

dawn chorus n. bird-song at daybreak. day

n. 1 time between sunrise and suna 24 hours as a unit of time, b corresponding period on other planets (Martian day). 3 daylight (clear as day). 4 time during which work is normally

set. 2

done (eight-hour day). 5 a

(also pi.) historical period (in those days), b (prec. by the) present time (issues of the day). 6 prime of a person's life (have had my day; in my day). 7 a future time (will do it one day). 8 date of a specific festival or event etc. (graduation day, Christmas day). 9 battle or contest (win the

day), z all in a day's work part of the normal routine, at the end of the day

time,

all

the

day by day gradually, day in, day

out routinely, constantly, not one's day day when things go badly (for a person), one of these days soon, one of those days day when things go badly, that will be the day colloq. that will never happen. [Old English] day-bed n. bed for daytime rest.

day-boy

n. (also day-girl) non-boarding pupil, esp. at a boarding school. daybreak n. first light in the morning. day care n. care of young children, the elderly, the handicapped, etc. during the working day. day centre n. place for care of the elderly or handicapped during the day. day-dream -n. pleasant fantasy or reverie, -u. indulge in this, z day-

-dreamer n. daylight n.

1 light of day. 2 dawn. 3 visible gap, e.g. between boats in a race. 4 (usu. in pi.) slang life or consciousness (scared the daylights out of me; beat the living daylights out of them). daylight robbery n. colloq. blatantly excessive charge. daylight saving n. longer summer evening daylight, achieved by putting clocks forward. day nursery n. nursery for children of working parents. day off n. day's holiday.

day of reckoning n.

time when something must be atoned for or avenged. n. part-time education for employees. day return n. reduced fare or ticket for a return journey in one day.

day release

day-room tion,

n. room, esp. in an used during the day.

institu-

day-school n. school for pupils living at home.

daytime n. natural

part of the day

when there is

light.

day-to-day adj. mundane, routine, day-trip n. trip completed in one day. z day-tripper

n.

daze

-v. (-zing) stupefy, bewilder, -n. state of bewilderment. [Old Norse] dazzle /'daez(a)l/ -v. (-ling) 1 blind or

confuse temporarily with a sudden bright light. 2 impress or overpower with knowledge, ability, etc. -n. bright confusing light, z dazzling adj. dazzlingly adv. [from daze]

dB

abbr. decibel(s). 1 direct-broadcast satellite. 2

DBS abbr.

direct broadcasting by satellite. abbr. 1 (also dc) direct current. 2 District of Columbia. 3 da capo. abbr. Doctor of Divinity.

DC

DD

D-Day D-Day

day (6 June 1944) on which Allied forces invaded N. France. 2 important or decisive day. [D for day]

DDT

/'di:dei/ n. 1

abbr. colourless chlorinated hy-

drocarbon used as insecticide, [from the chemical name] de- prefix 1 forming verbs and their derivatives: a down, away (descend; deduct), b completely (denude). 2 added to verbs and their derivatives to form verbs and nouns implying removal or reversal (de-ice; decentralization).

deacon /'di:kan/ n.

senses 2 and 3) deaconess /-'nes/) 1 (in Episcopal churches) minister below bishop and priest. 2 (in Nonconformist churches) lay officer. 3 (in the early Church) minister of charity. [Greek diakonos servant]

deactivate

(fern, (in

/di:'aekti,veit/

make inactive or dead /ded/ -adj.

v.

(-ting)

less reactive. 1

no longer

alive. 2

extremely tired or unwell. 3 numb (fingers are dead). 4 (foil, by to) insensitive to. 5 no longer effective or in use; extinct. 6 (of a match, coal, etc.) extinguished. 7 inanimate. 8 a lacking force or vigour, b (of sound) not resonant. 9 quiet; lacking activity (dead season). 10 (of a microphone, telephone, etc.) not transmitting sounds. 11 (of a colloq.

game) out of

play. 12 abrupt,

complete (come to a dead stop; a dead calm; dead certainty), -adv. 1 absolutely, completely (dead on target; dead tired). 2 colloq. very, extremely (dead easy), -n. time of silence or inactivity as dead as the (or a) (dead of night). dodo entirely obsolete, dead to the world colloq. fast asleep; unconscious. adj. colloq. exhausted. n. colloq. derelict, tramp.

dead-beat

dead duck

slang unsuccessful or useless person or thing. deaden v. 1 deprive of or lose vitality, force, brightness, sound, feeling, etc. 2

by

n.

make

to)

dead end

n. 1

insensitive. closed end of road, pas-

sage, etc. 2 (often, with hyphen, attrib.) hopeless situation, job, etc. deadhead -n. 1 faded flower-head. 2 non-paying passenger or spectator. 3

useless person, -v.

from

remove deadheads

(a plant).

race in which competitors tie. 2 result of such a race. dead language n. language no longer

dead heat spoken,

it.

n. 1

e.g. Latin.

dead letter n. law or practice no longer observed or recognized,

deadline

deadlock

-v.

bring or come to a

standstill.

dead loss

n. colloq.

useless person or

thing.

deadly

-adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 causing or able to cause fatal injury or serious damage. 2 intense, extreme (deadlydullness). 3 (of aim etc.) true; effective. 4 deathlike (deadly pale). 5 colloq. dreary, dull. -adv. 1 like death; as if dead (deadly faint). 2 extremely (deadly serious).

nightshade

poisonous

n.

plant with purple-black berries.

dead man's handle

n.

dead

(also

man's pedal) device on an electric train disconnecting the power supply if released.

dead march n. funeral march, dead on adj. exactly right, deadpan adj. & adv. lacking expression or emotion.

dead reckoning ship's position etc.,

when

n.

calculation of a

from the

log,

compass,

visibility is bad.

be dead set n. determined attack. dead set against strongly oppose, be dead set on be determined to do or get. dead shot n. person who shoots extremely accurately. dead weight n. (also dead-weight) 1 a inert mass, b heavy burden. 2 debt not covered by assets. 3 total weight carried on a ship.

dead wood

n. colloq.

useless person(s)

or thing(s).

wholly or partly unable by to) refusing to listen or turn a deaf ear (usu. foil, by comply. deafness n. [Old to) be unresponsive,

deaf /def/

adj.

1

to hear. 2 (foil,

English]

[Old English]

dead beat

(foil,

or close

deadly

[Latin]

ball in a

deal

217

n. time-limit,

-n.

conflict. 2 lock

state of unresolved 1 requiring a key to open

deaf-aid

n.

hearing-aid.

deaf-and-dumb alphabet

(also

n.

deaf-and-dumb language) = sign language.

Usage Sign language is the preferred term in

officia l use.

(often as deafening adj. overpower with noise or make deaf by noise, deafeningly adv. esp. temporarily, deaf mute n. deaf and dumb person. past part, dealt and (past -v. deal /delt/) 1 (foil, by with) a take measures to

deafen v.

)

1

resolve, placate, etc. b do business with; associate with, c discuss or treat (a subject). 2 (often foil, by by, with) behave in specified way (dealt honourably by them). 3 (foil, by in) sell (deals in

insurance). 4 (often foil, by out, round) distribute to several people etc. 5 (also absol.) distribute (cards) to players. 6 administer (was dealt a blow). 7 assign, esp. providentially (were dealt much

.

deal

debate

218

happiness), -n. 1 (usu. a good or great deal) colloq. a large amount (good deal of trouble), b considerably (great deal better). 2 colloq. business arrangement; transaction. 3 specified treatment (a rough deal). 4 a dealing of cards, b player's turn to do this. [Old English] deal 2 n. 1 fir or pine timber, esp. as boards of a standard size. 2 board of this.

thing.

death certificate

in (esp. retail) goods (car-dealer; dealer in tobacco). 2 player dealing at cards. 3 jobber on the Stock

Exchange.

contacts,

Oct. 1986 (see

conduct, or

transactions. 1

dealt past and past part, of deal dean n. 1 a head of the chapter of a .

1

cathedral or collegiate church, b (usu. rural dean) clergyman supervising parochial clergy. 2 a college or university official with disciplinary and advisory functions, b head of a university faculty or department or of a medical school. [Latin decanus] dean 2 var. of dene. deanery n. (pi. -ies) 1 dean's house or position. 2 parishes presided over by a rural dean. dear -adj. 1 a beloved or much esteemed, b as a merely polite or ironic form (my dear man). 2 as a formula of address, esp. beginning a letter (Dear Sir). 3 (often foil, by to) precious; cherished. 4 (usu. in super I.) earnest (my dearest wish). 5 a expensive, b having high prices, -n. (esp. as a form of address) dear person, -adv. at great cost (will pay dear), -int. expressing surprise, dismay, pity, etc. (dear me!; oh dear!). for dear life desperately, z dearly adv. [Old English] dearie n. my dear, z dearie me! int. expressing surprise, dismay, etc.

dearth /d3:6/ n. scarcity, lack. death /de8/ n. 1 irreversible ending

of life; dying or being killed. 2 instance of this. 3 destruction; ending (death of our hopes). 4 being dead (eyes closed in death). 5 (usu. Death) personification of death, esp. as a skeleton. 6 lack of at death's door close to spiritual life. death, be the death of 1 cause the death of. 2 be annoying or harmful to. catch one's death colloq. catch a serious chill etc. do to death 1 kill. 2 overdo, fate

worse than death

statement

property tax levied

n. hist,

Usage This term was replaced in 1975 by capital transfer tax and in 1986 by inheritance tax. deathly

Usage In sense 3, this name has been merged with broker since BROKER 2, JOBBER 2). n.pl.

n. official

of a person's death.

death duty after death.

[Low German] dealer n. 1 trader

dealings

utmost, extremely (bored to death). deathlike adj. [Old English] deathbed n. bed where a person dies. deathblow n. 1 blow etc. causing death. 2 event etc. that destroys or ends some-

colloq.

very un-

pleasant experience, put to death or cause to be killed, to death to the

kill

-adj. (-ier, -iest) suggestive of

death (deathly silence), -adv. in a deathly way (deathly pale). death-mask n. cast taken of a dead person's face.

death penalty

punishment by

n.

death.

death rate

number

n.

of deaths per

thousand of population per year, death-rattle n. gurgling in the throat sometimes heard at death,

death row

n. US part of a prison for those sentenced to death, death squad n. armed paramilitary group.

death-trap

n. colloq.

dangerous build-

ing, vehicle, etc.

death-warrant n.

order of execution. 2 anything that causes the end of an 1

established practice

death-watch

n.

etc.

(in full

death-watch

beetle) small beetle which makes a ticking sound, said to portend death. death-wish n. Psychol, alleged usu. unconscious desire for death. deb n. colloq. debutante, [abbreviation]

debacle

/dei'ba:k(a)l/ n.

(US debacle)

1

a utter defeat or failure, b sudden collapse. 2 confused rush or rout. [French] debag /di:'baeg/ v. (-gg-) slang remove the trousers of (a person), esp. as a joke.

debar

/di'ba:(r)/

v.

(-rr-) (foil,

by from)

exclude; prohibit (debarred from the debarment n. [French: related club). to

BAR

1 ]

debark

/di:'ba:k/

debarkation

v.

land from a ship. [French n. ,

/-'keij (e)n/

debarquer]

debase

/di'beis/ v. (-sing) 1 lower in quality, value, or character. 2 deprecidebaseate (a coin) by alloying etc.

ment

n.

[from

debatable

de-, (a)base] /di'beitab(a)l/ adj. question-

able; disputable, [related to debate] (-ting) 1 (also absol.) discuss or dispute, esp. formally. 2 con-

debate /di'beit/-u.

sider aspects of (a question); ponder. -n. 1 formal discussion on a particular mat2 discussion (open to debate).

ter.

[French: related to battle]

debauch debauch

debauched

adj.) dissolute. 2 corrupt, deprave. 3 debase (taste or judgement), -n. bout of

sensual indulgence. [French]

debauchee

/.diboi'tjl:/

debauched

n.

debutante

/'debjui.taint/ n.

(US debut-

ante) (usu. wealthy) young making her social debut.

woman

Dec. abbr. December. deca- comb, form ten. [Greek deka

ten] /'dekeid, di'keid/ n. 1 period of ten years. 2 series or group of ten. [Greek: related to deca-]

decade

person.

debauchery

excessive sensual in-

n.

dulgence.

debenture /di'bentja(r)/ n. acknowledgement of indebtedness, esp. a company for payment of interest at fixed intervals. [Latin debentur are

bond providing

owed] debilitate

/di'bih.teit/

v.

(-ting)

en-

enervate. debilitation [Latin debilis weak] debility /di'biliti/ n. feebleness, esp. of feeble,

/-'teij(a)n/ n.

health.

debit

decathlon

219

/di'bo:tJ7 -v. 1 (as

/'debit/

recording a

-n.

1

entry in an account 2 sum recorded.

sum owed.

Usage The

second pronunciation

given, with the stress on the second syllable, is considered incorrect by some people, even though it is much used in broadcasting.

decadence

/'dekad(9)ns/ n. 1 moral or cultural decline. 2 immoral behaviour. decadent adj. & n. decadently adv. [Latin: related to decay]

decaffeinated /di:'kaefi,neitid/ with caffeine removed or reduced,

adj.

decagon /'dekagan/ n.

plane figure with ten sides and angles, z decagonal

3 total of such sums. 4 debit side of an account, -v. (-t-) 1 (foil, by against, to) enter on the debit side of an account (debit £50 to my account). 2 (foil, by with) charge (a person) with a debt (debited me with £500). [Latin debitum

[Greek: related to deca-, -gonos -angled] decahedron /.deka'hrdran/ n. solid figure with ten faces. : decahedral

debt]

decalitre

debonair

/.deba'nea(r)/ adj.

cheerful,

pleasant-mannered.

2

self-assured.

1

/di'baotJV

v.

1

(of troops or a

stream) come out into open ground. 2 foil, by into) (of a river, road, etc.) merge into a larger body or area. debouchment n. [French bouche (often

mouth] question (a diplomat, pilot, etc.) about a completed debriefing mission or undertaking. /di:'bri:f/ u. colloq.

n.

debris /'debri:/ n.

1 scattered fragments, esp. of wreckage. 2 accumulation of loose rock etc. [French briser break] debt /det/ n. 1 money etc. owed (debt of gratitude). 2 state of owing (in debt; get

in a person's debt under into debt). obligation to a person. [Latin debeo debit-

adj. [after

polyhedron] /'dek8,li:ta(r)/ n.

(US

-liter)

metric unit of capacity, equal to 10 litres.

Decalogue

[French]

debouch

debrief

/di'kaegan(9)l/ adj.

owe]

debt of honour recoverable, esp. a

/'deka.mg/ n. Ten Commandments. [Greek: related to deca-, logos word, reason]

decametre

/'deka,mi:t8(r)/

debt not legally

sum

lost in

gamb-

to

10 metres.

decamp /di'kaemp/ v.

1 depart suddenly; abscond. 2 break up or leave camp. decampment n. [French: related to

CAMP decanal /di'kem(a)l/ adj. 1

]

1 of a dean. 2 of the south side of a choir (where the dean sits). [Latin: related to dean ] decant /di'kaent/ v. 1 gradually pour off (esp. wine), esp. leaving the sediment behind. 2 transfer as if by pouring. [Greek kanthos lip of jug] decanter n. stoppered glass container for decanted wine or spirit. 1

decapitate n.

(US

n.

-meter) metric unit of length, equal

/di'ksepi.teit/

decapitation

head.

v.

(-ting) be-

/-'teij(a)n/

n.

[Latin: related to capital]

concealed microphones from (a room

decapod /'deka.pDd/ n. 1 crustacean with ten limbs for walking, e.g. the shrimp. 2 ten-tentacled mollusc, e.g. the squid. [Greek: related to deca-, pous

etc.). 2 remove defects from (a computer program etc.). 3 = delouse.

decarbonize

ling.

debtor

n.

person owing money

debug /di:'bAg/ v.

debunk

(-gg-) colloq. 1

/di:'bAnk/

person, claim,

etc.)

[French]

remove

expose (a as spurious or false. v.

colloq.

debunker n. debut /'deibju:/ n. (US debut) he appearance

etc.

(as a

pod- foot]

etc.

engine first

performer

pubetc.).

/di:'ka:ba,naiz/

v.

(also

or -sing) remove the carbon from (an internal-combustion

-ise) (-zing

etc.).

decarbonization

/-'zeij(a)n/ n.

decathlon test of ten

/di'kaeGlan/ n. athletic con-

events for

all

competitors.

decay decathlete /-li:t/ Greek athlon contest]

decay

n.

[from deca-,

(cause to) rot or decompose. 2 decline or cause to decline in quality, power, etc. 3 (usu. foil, by to) (of a substance) undergo change by radioactivity. -n. 1 rotten state; wasting away. 2 decline in health, quality, etc. 3 radioactive change. [Latin cado fall] decease /di'siis/ formal esp. Law -n. death, -v. (-sing) die. [Latin cedo go] deceased formal -adj. dead. -n. (usu. /di'kei/ -v.

1

prec. by the) person recently.

deceit

/di'si:t/

n.

who has

died, esp.

deception, esp. by

1

concealing the truth. 2 dishonest trick. [Latin capio take] deceitdeceitful adj. using deceit. fully adv. deceitfulness n.

deceive

/di'si:v/

(-ving)

v.

make

1

(a

person) believe what is false; purposely mislead. 2 be unfaithful to, esp. sexdeceive oneself ually. 3 use deceit. deceiver persist in a mistaken belief. n.

decelerate (cause

to)

eration

/di:'sel9,reit/

reduce

/-'reij(8)n/

v.

n.

(-ting)

decel-

speed.

[from

de-,

ac-

celerate]

December

twelfth /di'semba(r)/ n. month of the year. [Latin decern ten, originally 10th month of Roman year] decency /'di:sansi//z. (pi. -ies) 1 correct, honourable, or modest behaviour. 2 (in [Latin: manners. proprieties; pi.) related to decent] decennial /di'semal/ adj. lasting, recurring every, ten years. [Latin decern ten, annus year]

decent

a conforming with standards of decency, b avoiding obscenity. 2 respectable. 3 acceptable, good enough. 4 kind, obliging. /'di:s(a)nt/ adj. 1

decently adv. [Latin decet is fitting] decentralize /di:'sentr9,laiz/ v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 transfer (power etc.) from central to local authority. 2 reorganize to give greater local auto-

nomy.

decentralization

/-zeij(9)n/

n.

deception

,

/di'sepj (a)n/ n. 1 deceiving or being deceived. 2 thing that deceives. [Latin: related to deceive]

deceptive

/di'septiv/ adj. likely to dedeceptively adv. ceive; misleading.

deceptiveness n. deci- comb, form one-tenth. [Latin

mus

decisive

220

deci-

tenth]

decibel /'desi.bel/ n. unit used in the comparison of sound levels or power levels of electrical signals. /di'said/ v. (-ding) 1 (usu. foil, by to, that, or on, about) resolve after consideration {decided to stay; decided

decide

quickly weather decided me; decided on a blue hat). 2 resolve or settle (an issue etc.). 3 (usu. foil, by between, for, against, in favour of, or that) give a ;

decidable

judgement. caedo cut]

decided

[Latin

adj.

(usu. attrib.) definite, unquestionable (decided tilt). 2 positive, wilful, resolute. decidedly adv. undoubtedly, undeniably. decider n. 1 game, race, etc., as a tiebreak. 2 person or thing that decides. deciduous /di'sidjuas/ adj. 1 (of a tree) shedding leaves annually. 2 (of leaves, horns, teeth, etc.) shed periodically. [Latin cado fall] decigram /'desi.graem/ n. (also decigramme) metric unit of mass, equal to adj.

0.1 gram. decilitre

1

/'desi,li:t8(r)/

(US

n.

-liter)

metric unit of capacity, equal to 0.1

decimal /'desim(a)l/ -adj.

1

decimal

n.

litre.

system of numbers, weights, measures, etc.) based on the number ten. 2 of tenths or ten; reckoning or proceeding by tens. -n. decimal fraction. [Latin decern ten]

fraction

(of a

fraction

expressed in tenths, hundredths, etc., esp. by units to the right of the decimal point

(e.g. 0.61).

decimalize v.

(also -ise) (-zing or -sing)

express as a decimal. 2 convert to a decimal system (esp. of coinage). 1

decimalization

decimal point

/-'zeij(a)n/ n.

dot placed before the fraction in a decimal fraction.

decimate

n.

/'desi.meit/

v.

(-ting)

1

des-

of. 2 orig. Rom. remove one in every ten of. decimation /-'meij(8)n/ n.

troy a large proportion Hist, kill or

Usage Sense 1 is now the usual sense, but it is considered inappropriate by some people. This word should not be used to mean decimetre

'defeat utterly'. /'desi,mi:t9(r)/

n.

(US

-meter) metric unit of length, equal to 0.1 metre. decipher /di'saifa(r)/ v. 1 convert (coded information) into intelligible language. 2 determine the meaning of de(unclear handwriting etc.).

cipherable adj. decision /di'si3(a)n/

n. 1 act or process of deciding. 2 resolution made after consideration (made my decision). 3 (often foil, by of) a settlement of a formal judgement. 4 b question, resoluteness. [Latin: related to decide] decisive /di'saisiv/ adj. 1 conclusive, settling an issue. 2 quick to decide. decisiveness n. decisively adv. [medieval Latin: related to decide]

deck

decorous

221

deck -n.

a platform in a ship serving as a floor, b the accommodation on a particular deck of a ship. 2 floor or compartment of a bus etc. 3 section for playing discs or tapes etc. in a sound system. 4 esp. US pack of cards. 5 slang ground, -v. 1 (often foil, by out) decorate. 2 provide with or cover as a deck. below deck(s) in or into the space below the main deck. [Dutch, "\

-n.

gradual loss of vigour or excellence. 2 deterioration. [Latin clino bend] 1

declining years declivity

old age.

n.pl.

/di'kliviti/ n. (pi. -ies)

down-

ward slope. [Latin clivus slope] declutch /di:'klAtJ7 v. disengage

the

clutch of a motor vehicle. ,

decoction /di kDkJ (a)n, n. 1 boiling down to extract an essence. 2 the result,

ing liquid. [Latin coquo boil] /di:'kaud/ v. (-ding) decipher,

decode

cover]

deck-chair n. folding garden chair of wood and canvas. -decker comb, form having a specified number of decks or layers {doubledecker).

deck-hand n. cleaner on a ship's deck. declaim /di'kleim/ v. 1 speak or say as if addressing an audience. 2 (foil, by against) protest forcefully. declama,

tion /,dekla'meij (9)n/ /di'klaematari/ adj.

n.

declamatory

[Latin:

related to

claim]

decoder

colloq. -v. /di:'kauk/ (-king) decarbonize, -n. ,'di:kauk/ process of

this.

decolletage /.deikol'ta^/ line of a woman's dress

declaring. 2 formal, emphatic, or deliberate statement. [Latin: related to den.

1

clare]

low neck[French

n.

etc.

collet collar]

decollete

/dei'kDltei/ adj. (also decolle-

a dress, woman, wearing a low neckline, tee) (of

decompose rot. 2

declaration /.dekla'reiJXaW

n.

decoke

having or

etc.)

/,di:kam'pauz/

v.

separate (a substance,

(-sing)

1

light, etc.)

into its elements. decomposition /,di:kDmp9'ziJ(a)n/ n. decompress /,di:kam'pres/ v. subject to

decompression.

declare /di'kle9(r)/ v. (-ring) 1 announce openly or formally (declare

decompression

war). 2 pronounce (declared it invalid). 3 (usu. foil, by that) assert emphatically. 4 acknowledge possession of (dutiable goods, income, etc.). 5 (as declared adj.) admitting to be such (declared atheist). 6 (also absol.) Cricket close (an innings) voluntarily before the

/.drkam'preJXaJn/ n. 1 release from compression. 2 gradual reduction of high pressure on a deep-sea diver etc. decompression chamber n. enclosed space for decompression. decompression sickness n. condition caused by the sudden lowering of air pressure.

team

decongestant

out. 7 (also absol.) Cards declare (the trump suit). oneself reveal one's intentions or declarative /-'klaerativ/ identity. is

name

declaratory /-'klaeratan/ adj. declarer n. [Latin clarus clear] declassify /di:'klaesi,fai/ v. (-ies,

adj.

-ied)

declare (information etc.) to be no declassification longer secret. /-fi'keij\a)n/ n.

/di'klenJXa)n/ n. 1 Gram, a variation of the form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective to show its grammatical case etc. b class of nouns with the same inflexions. 2 deterioration, declining. [Latin: related to decline]

declension

medicine

etc.

/,di:kan'd3est(a)nt/

n.

that relieves nasal con-

gestion.

decontaminate

/.drkan'taemi.neit/

v.

remove contamination from, decontamination /-'neij(a)n/ n. decor /'deika:(r)/ n. furnishing and (-ting)

decoration of a room, stage [French: related to decorate]

decorate tify,

/'deka.reit/

v.

set,

(-ting)

adorn. 2 paint, wallpaper,

1

etc.

beauetc. (a

room or building). 3 give a medal or award to. [Latin decus -oris beauty]

Decorated style ornamented

late

Archit. highly n. English Gothic style

(14th c).

declination /,dekli'neij(8)n/ n. 1 downward bend or turn. 2 angular distance of

decoration

a star etc. north or south of the celestial equator. 3 deviation of a compass need!e declinational adj. from true north. [Latin: related to decline] decline /di'klam/ -v. (-ning) 1 deteriorate; lose strength or vigour; decrease. 2 (also absol.) politely refuse (an invitation, challenge, etc.). 3 slope or bend downwards, droop. 4 Gram, state the forms of (a noun, pronoun, or adjective).

as an honour. 4 (in pi) flags, put up on a festive occasion. decorative /'dekarativ/ adj. pleasing in decoratively adv. appearance,

/,deka'reij(a)n/ n. 1 decorating. 2 thing that decorates. 3 medal

etc.

worn

tinsel, etc.,

decorator

n.

person

who

decorates for

a living.

decorous

/'dekaras/

showing decorum,

decorousness seemly]

n.

adj.

having or

decorously adv. [Latin

decorus

decorum decorum

di'ko:ram n. polite dignified behaviour, [as decorous] -n. di:koi person or thing used as a lure; bait, enticement. — v. di'koi lure. esp. using a decoy. [Dutch] decrease —v. di'kri:s (-sing) make or become smaller or fewer, -n. 'di:kri:s 1 decreasing. 2 amount of this. de-

decoy

creasingiy adv.

[Latin: related to de-.

cresco grow]

decree

di'kri: —n. 1 official legal order. 2 legal judgement or decision, esp. in divorce cases, —v. (-ees. -eed. -eeing) ordain by decree. [Latin decretum from cerno sift] decree absolute n. final order for completion of a divorce, decree nisi 'naisai n. provisional order for divorce, made absolute after a fixed period. [Latin nisi unless]

di'krepit adj. 1 weakened by age or infirmity. 2 dilapidated. decrepitude n. [Latin crepo creak]

decrepit

decrescendo .dirkn'Jendau adv.. adj., & n. (pi. -s) = diminuendo. [Italian: related to decrease]

decretal

di'kri:t(a)l

n.

papal decree.

[Latin: related to decree]

decriminalize (also -ise)

as

di:'knmm9,laiz v. (-zing or -sing) cease to treat

criminal,

-'zeij(a)n

decry

decriminalization

z

n.

di'krai

v.

(-ies. -ied)

disparage.

belittle.

dedicate by

'dedi.keit

r.

(-ting)

(often

devote (esp. oneself) to a special task or purpose. 2 address (a book etc.) to a friend, patron, etc. 3 devote (a building etc.) to a deity, saint, etc. 4 (as dedicated adj.) a (of a person) loyal to an aim. single-mindedly vocation, etc. b (of equipment, esp. a computer) designed for or assigned to dedicator n. dedica specific task. foil,

atory

to)

1

adj. [Latin dico declare]

dedication

,dedi'kerj(a)n n.

1

dedicat-

ing or being dedicated. 2 words with which a book etc. is dedicated. [Latin: related to dedicate]

deduce

di'dju:s

v.

(-cing) (often

from) infer logically. [Latin duco duct- lead]

foil,

deducible

by

adj.

deduct

di'dAkt v. (often foil, by from) subtract, take away, or withhold (an amount, portion, etc.). [related to de-

duce]

deductible esp.

deerstalker

222

adj. that

may

be deducted,

from tax or taxable income.

deduction di'dAkJ(a)n ing, b amount deducted.

n. 1 a deduct2 a inferring of particular instances from a general law or principle, b conclusion deduced. [Latin: related to deduce]

deductive

adj. of or reasoning by deduction. deductively adv. [medieval Latin: related to deduce] dee n. 1 letter D. 2 thing shaped like this, [name of the letter D] deed n. 1 thing done intentionally or consciously. 2 brave, skilful, or conspicuous act. 3 action (kind in word and

deed). 4 legal

document used

esp. for

transferring ownership of property. [Old English: related to do ] deed-box n. strong box for deeds etc. 1

deed of covenant

n.

agreement

to

pay

a regular sum, esp. to charity.

deed poll

deed made by one party only, esp. to change one's name. deem v. formal consider, judge (deem it n.

my duty). [Old English] deemster n. judge in the

Isle of

Man.

[from deem]

deep

-adj. 1 extending far down or in (deep water; deep wound: deep shelf). 2 (predic.) a to or at a specified depth (water 6 feet deep), b in a specified number of ranks (soldiers drawn up six deep). 3 situated or coming from far down, back, or in (deep in his pockets; deep sigh). 4 low-pitched, full-toned (deep voice). 5 intense, extreme (deep sleep: deep colour; deep interest). 6 (predic.) fully absorbed or overwhelmed (deep in a book; deep in debt). 7 profound: difficult to understand (too deep

for me).-n.

1

(prec.

by

the) poet, sea, esp.

when

deep. 2 abyss, pit, cavity. 3 (prec. by the) Cricket position of a fielder distant from the batsman. 4 deep state (deep of the night), -adv. deeply: far down or in (dig deep), z go off the deep end colloa. give way to anger or emotion, in deep water in trouble or difficulty, z deeply adv. [Old English]

deep breathing n.

breathing with long

breaths, esp. as exercise. deepen v. make or become deep or deeper. deep-freeze -n. cabinet for freezing and keeping food for long periods, -v. freeze or store in a deep-freeze. deep-fry v. immerse in boiling fat to cook. deep-laid adj. (of a scheme) secret and elaborate.

deep-rooted

adj.

(also

deep-seated)

firmly established, profound, deer n. (pi. same) four-hoofed grazing animal, the male of which usu. has antlers. [Old English] deerskin n. (often attrib.) leather from a deer's skin. deerstalker n. soft cloth peaked cap

with ear-flaps.

de-escalate

/-'leiJXa)n/ n.

from

excellent, [perhaps

DEFINITE Or DEFINITIVE]

deface /di'feis/ v. (-cing) disfigure, z defacement n. [French: related to /dei 'faektau/ -adv. in fact (whether by right or not). -adj. existing or so in fact (a de facto ruler). [Latin] defalcate /'di:fael,keit/ v. (-ting) formal

[Latin defalcare lop,

n.

n.

in a [Latin defendo etc.)

defendant

n. person etc. sued or accused in a lawcourt. [French: related to defend] defense US var. of defence.

amount

:

defensibility

defence. 2 over-reacting to criticism, z

/,di:fael'keiJXa)n/ n.

misappropriated.

2

short-

/-'biliti/

n.

1 expecting criticism. 2 Mil ready to defend, z defensively adv. defensiveness n. [medieval Latin: related to defend]

defer /di'f3:(r)/ v. (-rr-) postpone, z deferment n. deferral n. [originally the same as differ] defer2 /di'f3:(r)/ v. (-rr-) (foil, by to) yield 1

coming.

defame

/di'feim/

slander; speak

v.

ill

(-ming)

libel;

defamation

of.

defamatory /di /,defa'meiJXa)n/ n. 'faematari/ adj. [Latin fama report] default /di'foiltj -n. 1 failure to appear, pay, or act as one should. 2 preselected '

option adopted by a computer program when no alternative is specified, -v. fail to fulfil (esp. a legal) obligation. by default because of lack of an alternative or opposition, in default of defaulter because of the absence of. n. [French: related to fail] defeat /di'fiit/— u. 1 overcome in battle, a contest, etc. 2 frustrate, baffle. 3 reject (a etc.) by voting, -n. defeating or being defeated. [Latin: related to dis-,

motion fact]

defeatism

excessive readiness to defeatist n. & adj. defecate /'defi.keit/ v. (-ting) evacuate the bowels. defecation /-'keiJXa)n/ n. [Latin faex faecis dregs] defect -n. /'di:fekt/ fault, imperfection, shortcoming, -v. /di'fekt/ leave one's defeccountry or cause for another. n.

accept defeat.

defector

n.

[Latin deficio

-feet-

or make concessions to. [Latin defero carry away] 'defarans n. 1 courteous regard, respect. 2 compliance with another's wishes, z in deference to out of respect for.

deference

deferential spectful, z

/,defa'renf(a)l/

adj.

re-

deferentially adv.

deferred payment

n.

payment by

in-

stalments.

defiance

/di'faians/ n.

open disobedi-

ence; bold resistance. [French: related to defy] defiant adj. showing defiance; disobedient. : defiantly adv.

deficiency

/di'fijansi

n.

(pi.

-ies)

1

being deficient. 2 (usu. foil, by of) lack or shortage. 3 thing lacking. 4 deficit, esp. financial.

deficiency disease n. disease caused by the lack of an essential element of diet.

adj. (often foil, by in) incomplete or insufficient in quantity, quality,

deficient

defect] deficit /'defisit/ n. 1 amount by which a thing (esp. money) is too small. 2 excess of liabilities over assets. [French from Latin: related to defect] defile di'fail/ v. (-ling) 1 make dirty; etc. [Latin: related to

fail]

defective

/di'fektiv/

having dedefectiveness n. adj.

fects); imperfect. [Latin: related to defect]

defence

/di'fens/

n.

(US defense)

1

defending, protection. 2 means of this. 3 (in pi.) fortifications. 4 justification, vindication. 5 defendant's case or counsel in a lawsuit. 6 defending play or players.

defenceless adj. defencelessly adv. defencelessness n. [related to defend]

defence mechanism n.

/di'fend/

v.

1

pollute. 2 desecrate, profane, ment n. [earlier defoul, from

body's resis-

(also absol.)

1

(often

by against, from) resist an attack made on; protect. 2 uphold by argument. 3 conduct a defence in a lawsuit. 4

defile-

French

defouler trample down] defile 2 /di'fail/ -n. narrow gorge or pass. -v. (-ling) march in file. [French: related to file ] define /di'fam/ v. (-ning) 1 give the meaning of (a word etc.). 2 describe or explain the scope of (define one's position). 3 outline clearly (well-defined image). 4 mark out the boundary of. definable adj. [Latin finis end] 1

1

tance to disease. 2 usu. unconscious mental process to avoid anxiety.

defend

be defended militarily.

defalc-

formal misappropriation of money, b

n.

/di'fensib(a)l adj. 1 justifiable; supportable by argument. 2 able to

on the defensive

defalcation

foil,

defender

contest, z

title

from falx

sickle]

tion

retain (a

defensibly adv. [Latin: related to defend] defensive adj. 1 done or intended for

misappropriate, esp. money.

a

to

defensible

face]

de facto

1

compete -fens-]

def adj. slang

ator

define

223

de-escalate /di:'eska,leit/ v. make or become less intense. de-escalation

definite

definitely adv. [Latin: related to de-

See note at

definitive.

definite article n. the word {the in English) preceding a noun and implying a specific instance.

definition

a defining, b statement of the meaning of a word etc. 2 distinctness in outline, esp. of a photographic image. [Latin; related to define] ./.defi'niJXaJn/ n. 1

definitive /di'finitiv/ adj. 1 (of an answer, verdict, etc.) decisive, unconditional, final. 2 (of a book etc.) most authoritative.

Usage In sense 1, this word is often confused with definite, which does not imply authority and conclusiveness. A definite no is a firm refusal, while a definitive no is an authoritative judgement or decision that something is not the case.

deflate

/di'fleit/

v.

(-ting)

1

empty

(a

tyre, balloon, etc.) of air, gas, etc.; be so emptied. 2 (cause to) lose confidence or

conceit. 3 a subject (a currency or economy) to deflation, b pursue this as a policy, [from de-, inflate] deflation /di'fleij(a)n/ n. 1 deflating or being deflated. 2 reduction of money in circulation, intended to combat infla-

deflationary adj. tion. deflect /di'flekt/ v. 1 bend or turn aside from a course or purpose. 2 (often foil, deflecby from) (cause to) deviate. tion n. (also deflexion), deflector n. [Latin flecto bend]

deflower

/di'flaua(r)/

literary 1 de-

v.

prive of virginity. 2 ravage, spoil. [Latin: related to flower] defoliate /di:'f9uli,eit/ v. (-ting) destroy defothe leaves of (trees or plants). liant n. defoliation /-'eij (a)n/ n. [Latin: 2 related to foil ] deforest /di:'fbnst/ v. clear of forests or trees, z deforestation /-'steij(a)n/ n. deform /di'fo:m/ v. make ugly or misdeformation shapen, disfigure. /,di:fD:'meiJX9)n/ n. [Latin: related to ,

adj.

(of a

person or limb)

misshapen.

deformity

1 being n. (pi. -ies) deformed. 2 malformation, esp. of a

body or limb.

defraud

n.

v.

frock]

frozen.

deft

adj. neat; dexterous; adroit. deftly adv. deftness n. [var. of daft =

'meek']

defunct

/di'fAnkt/

adj.

no longer

1

existing or used. 2 dead or extinct. defunctness n. [Latin fungor perform] defuse /di:'fju:z/ v. (-sing) 1 remove the fuse from (a bomb etc.). 2 reduce tension etc. in (a crisis, difficulty, etc.). defy /di'fai/ v. (-ies, -ied) 1 resist openly; refuse to obey. 2 (of a thing) present insuperable obstacles to (defies solution). 3 (foil, by to + infin.) challenge (a person) to do or prove something. [Latin fides faith] degenerate -adj. /di'd3enarat/ 1

having lost its usual or good qualities; immoral, degraded. 2 Biol, having changed to a lower type. -n. /di'd3enarat/ degenerate person or animal,

-i?.

become

/di'd3ena,reit/ (-ting)

degeneracy

degenerate.

n.

[Latin

genus race]

degeneration

/di d3ena'reij(a)n/ (

n.

1

becoming degenerate. 2 Med. morbid deterioration of body tissue etc. [Latin: related to degenerate]

degrade

/di'greid/ v. (-ding) 1 humilidishonour. 2 reduce to a lower rank. 3 Chem. reduce to a simpler molecular structure. degradation /.degra ate,

'deij(a)n/

degrading

n.

adj.

[Latin:

related to grade]

degree

/di'gri:/ n.

1

stage in a scale,

series, or process. 2 stage in intensity or

amount (in some degree). measurement of an angle or

3 unit of arc. 4 unit

in a scale of temperature, hardness, etc. 5 extent of burns. 6 academic rank conferred by a polytechnic, university, etc. 7 grade of crime (first-degree murder). 8 step in direct genealogical by degrees descent. 9 social rank. gradually. [Latin gradus step] degrees of comparison see compar-

ison

4.

/di:'his/ v. (-cing) (esp.

of a pod,

cut, etc.)

gape or burst open, z de-

hiscence

n.

dehiscent

adj. [Latin hio

gape]

dehumanize

/di:'hju:ma,naiz/ v. (also (-zing or -sing) 1 take human qualities away from. 2 make imperdehumanization /-'zeiJXa)n/ sonal. -ise)

(often foil, by of) cheat by fraud. [Latin: related to fraud] defray /di'frei/ v. provide money for (a defrayal n. defraycost or expense). /di'fro:d/

deprive (esp. a [French: related to de-,

/di:'frDk/

priest) of office.

dehisce

form]

deformed

ment

defrock

defrost /di:'frost/ v. 1 remove frost or ice from (a refrigerator, windscreen, etc.). 2 unfreeze (frozen food). 3 become un-

fine]

Usage

dehydrate

224

definite /'defmit/ adj. 1 certain, sure. 2 clearly denned; not vague; precise.

v.

[medieval Latin fredum

fine]

n.

dehydrate /,di:hai'dreit/ v. (-ting) 1 remove water from (esp. foods). 2 make or

de-ice dry, esp. too dry.

ration

/-'dreij(8)n/

n.

water]

remove

de-ice prevent the formation of /di:'ais/ v. 1

icer

ice from. 2

de-

ice on.

/-fi'keiJXa)n/ n. [Latin

deus god]

to + infin.) think condescend. [Latin dignus worthy]

deign /dem/

v. (foil,

by

deinstitutionalize 'tju:Jana,laiz/

v.

(also

/.di.msti -ise)

(-zing or

deinstitutionalized adj.) remove from an institution or help recover from the effects of institudeinstitutionalization tional life. -sing)

(usu.

as

/-'zeij(a)n/ n.

deism

/'di:iz(a)m,

reasoned

n.

'dei-/

deist

belief in the existence of a god.

[Latin deus god] deity /'dinti, 'den-/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 god or goddess. 2 divine status or nature. 3 (the n.

deistic

/-'istik/ adj.

God.

Deity)

from

[French

Church

Latin]

dejd vu

/,dei3a:

'vu:/

n.

1

feeling of

having already experienced the present situation. 2 something tediously familiar. [French, = already seen] deject /di'd3ekt/ v. (usu. as dejected dejectedly adj.) make sad; depress. adv. dejection n. [Latin jacio throw] de jure /dei 'juan/ -adj. rightful, -adv. rightfully; by right. [Latin]

dekko

/'dekau/ n. (pi -s) slang look, glance. [Hindi] delay /di'lei/ -v. 1 postpone; defer. 2

make or be late; loiter, -n.

1 delaying or being delayed. 2 time lost by this. 3 hindrance. [French]

delayed-action

attrib. adj. (esp. of a

bomb, camera, etc.) operating after a set interval.

delectable

/di'lektab(a)l/ adj. esp. liter-

delectably ary delightful, delicious. adv. [Latin: related to delight]

delectation

/,di:lek'teij(a)n/ n. literary

pleasure, enjoyment. elected representative sent to a conference. 2 member -v. delegation, of a committee or

delegate -n.

/'dehgat/

1

(often foil, by to) a to an agent or deputy, b entrust (a task) to another. 2 send or authorize (a person) as a representative. [Latin: related to legate] delegation /.deli'geiJXaW n. 1 group representing others. 2 delegating or /'deh.geit/ (-ting)

commit (power

1

etc.)

being delegated.

delete

delft n. (also delftware) glazed, usu. blue and white, earthenware. [Delft in Holland] deli /'deli/ n. (pi. -s) colloq. delicatessen shop, [abbreviation]

deliberate -adj.

n.

deify /'di:i,fai, 'den-/ v. (-ies, -ied) make a of. n deification idol or god

fit,

deliquesce

225

dehyd[Greek hudor

become

/di li:t/ v. (-ting)

remove (a letter,

deleword, etc.), esp. by striking out. tion n. [Latin deleo] deleterious /.deh'tianas/ adj. harmful. [Latin from Greek] i

di'libarat 1 a intenb considered; careful. 2 (of movement, thought, etc.) unhurried; cautious, -v. /di'hba.reit/ (-ting) 1 think tional,

carefully; consider. 2 discuss (jury deliberated). deliberately /di'libaretli

adv. [Latin libra balande]

deliberation

,

/

1

diliba reiJ(a)n/ n.

1

care-

ful consideration; discussion. 2 careful

slowness.

deliberative /di'libarativ/ adj. (esp. of an assembly etc.) of or for deliberation or debate.

delicacy

being

/'delikasi/ n. (pi. -ies) 1

delicate (in all senses). 2 a choice food,

[from delicate]

delicate

/'delikat/ adj. 1 a fine in texture, quality, etc.; slender, slight, b (of a colour, flavour, etc.) subtle, hard to

discern. 2 susceptible; weak, tender. 3 a requiring tact; tricky (delicate situation), b (of an instrument) highly sensitive. 4 deft (delicate touch). 5 modest. 6 delic(esp. of actions) considerate.

ately adv. [Latin]

delicatessen

/,delika'tes(a)n/ n.

1

shop

cooked meats, exotic cheeses, etc. 2 (often attrib.) such foods. [French: related to delicate] delicious /di'hjas/ adj. highly enjoydeliable, esp. to taste or smell. ciously adv. [Latin deliciae delights] delight /di'lait/ -v. 1 (often as delighted adj.) please greatly (her singing delighted us; delighted to help). 2 selling

esp.

by in) take great pleasure in (delights in surprising everyone), -n. 1 great pleasure. 2 thing that delights,

(foil,

delightful adj. delighted delightfully adv. [Latin delecto]

adj.

delimit /di'limit/ v. (-t-) fix the limits or boundary of. delimitation /-'teij(a)n/ n. [Latin:

related to limit]

delineate /di'lmi.eit/ v. (-ting) portray delinby drawing etc. or in words. eation LINE

/-'eij(a)n/ n.

[Latin: related to

1

]

delinquent

/di'hnkwant/ -n. offender

(juvenile delinquent), -adj. 1 guilty of a minor crime or misdeed. 2 failing in delinquency n. [Latin one's duty. delinquo offend] deliquesce /.deh kwes/ v. (-cing) 1 become liquid, melt. 2 dissolve in water deliquesabsorbed from the air. I

cence

n.

deliquescent

related to liquid]

adj.

[Latin:

delirious delirious

/di'lirias/ adj. 1 affected with delirium. 2 wildly excited, ecstatic, deliriously adv. delirium /di'liriam/ n. 1 disorder involving incoherent speech, hallucinations, etc., caused by intoxication, fever, etc. 2 great excitement, ecstasy. [Latin lira ridge between furrows]

tremens

delirium

/'triimenz/

n.

psychosis of chronic alcoholism involving tremors and hallucinations. deliver /di'liva(r)/ v a distribute (letters, goods, etc.) to their destination(s). b (often foil, by to) hand over. 2 (often foil, by from) save, rescue, or set free. 3 a give birth to (delivered a girl), b assist at the birth of or in giving birth (delivered six babies). 4 utter (an opinion, speech, etc.). 5 (often foil, by up, over) abandon; resign (delivered his soul up). be 6 launch or aim (a blow etc.). delivered of give birth to. deliver the goods colloq. carry out an undertaking. *\

.

[Latin liber free]

deliverance

n.

rescuing or being res-

cued.

delivery

(pi -ies) 1 delivering or being delivered. 2 regular distribution of letters etc. (two deliveries a day). 3 thing delivered. 4 childbirth. 5 deliverance. 6 style of throwing a ball, delivering a speech, etc. [Anglo-French: related n.

to DELIVER]

small usu. wooded valley. [Old English]

dell

n.

delouse Delphic

(-sing) rid of lice. (also Delphian /-fian/) 1 obscure, ambiguous, or enigmatic. 2 of the ancient Greek oracle at /di:'laus/ /

demesne

226

v.

delfik/ adj.

Delphi.

delphinium

delve

v.

(-ving)

1

(often

by

foil,

in, into)

search or research energetically or deeply (delved into his pocket, his family history). 2 poet. dig. [Old English]

demagnetize

/di:'maegni,taiz/

-ise) (-zing or -sing) netic properties of.

tion

v.

(also

remove the magdemagnetiza-

/-'zeij(a)n/ n.

demagogue

/'dema.gDg/

(US -gog)

n.

political agitator appealing to mob instincts, z demagogic /-'gDgik/ adj.

demagogy

n.

[Greek, = leader of the

people]

demand

/di'ma:nd/ -n. 1 insistent and peremptory request. 2 desire for a commodity (no demand for fur coats). 3 urgent claim (makes demands on her), -v. 1 (often foil, by of, from, or to + infin., or that + clause) ask for insist-

ently (task

(demanded to know). demanding skill). 3

2 require insist on

being told (demanded her age). 4 (as demanding adj.) requiring skill, effort, etc. (demanding job; demanding child), z in demand sought after, on demand as soon as requested

attention,

(payable on demand). [French from Latin: related to

mandate]

demand feeding when it cries. demarcation

n.

feeding a baby

/,di:ma:'keij(a)n/ n. limits.

1

marking of a boundary or

2

trade-union practice of restricting a spedemarcate cific job to one union. /'di:-/ v. (-ting). [Spanish marcar mark ] 1

dematerialize (also -ise)

/.drma'tiaria.laiz/

(-zing or -sing)

v.

make

or

become non-material; vanish, z dematerialization

/-'zeij(a)n/ n.

/del'fmiam/ n. (pi -s) gartall spikes of usu. blue flowers. [Greek: related to dolphin] delta /'delta/ n. 1 triangular area of earth, alluvium etc. at the mouth of a river, formed by its diverging outlets. 2 a fourth letter of the Greek alphabet (A, 8). b fourth-class mark for work etc. [Greek] delta wing n. triangular swept-back wing of an aircraft. delude /di'lu:d/ v. (-ding) deceive, mislead. [Latin ludo mock] deluge /'delju:d3/ -n. 1 great flood. 2 (the Deluge) biblical Flood (Gen. 6-8). 3 overwhelming rush. 4 heavy fall of rain, -u. (-ging) flood or inundate (deluged with complaints). [Latin diluvium]

demean /di'mi:n/ v. (usu. refl.) lower the

delusion

demerit

den plant with

/di'lu:3(a)n/ n. 1 false belief,

delusive hallucination. adj. delusory adj. [related to delude] de luxe /da 'L\ks/ adj. luxurious; superior; sumptuous. [French, = of luxury] hope,

etc. 2

dignity of (would not

[from

mean 2

demean

myself).

]

demeanour

/di'mi:na(r)/

n.

(US

demeanor) outward behaviour or bearing. [Latin

minor threaten]

demented

/di'mentid/ adj. mad. adv. [Latin mens mind] /di'menja/ n. chronic indementia sanity. [Latin: related to demented]

dementedly

dementia

praecox

/'pri:kDks/

n.

formal schizophrenia.

demerara

/.dema'reara/

n.

light-brown

cane sugar. [Demerara in Guyana]

demerger

/di:'m3:d3a(r)/ n. dissolution

of a commercial merger.

demerge

v.

(-ging).

/di:'ment/

n. fault;

blemish.

demesne

/di'mi:n, -'mem/ n. 1 a terdomain, b land attached to a mansion etc. c landed property. 2 (usu. foil, by of) region or sphere. 3 Law hist.

ritory;

possession (of real property) as one's

demilord]

demi-

prefix half; partly. [Latin dimi-

dius half]

demigod /'demi.gDd/ n.

1 a partly divine being, b child of a god or goddess and a mortal. 2 colloq. godlike person. demijohn /'demi,d3on/ n. large bottle usu. in a wicker cover. [French] demilitarize /dr.'milita.raiz/ v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) remove an army etc. from (a frontier, zone, etc.). demi-

litarization

/-'zeiJXa)n/ n.

demi-monde /'demi.mDnd/ n. 1 class of women considered to be of doubtful morality. 2 any semi-respectable group. [French, = half- world] demise /di'maiz/ -n. 1 death; termination. 2 Law transfer of an estate, title, etc. by demising, -v. (-sing) Law transfer (an estate, title, etc.) by will, lease, or death. [Anglo-French: related to dismiss]

/.demi'semi to half

Mus. note equal

.kweiva(r)/ n.

a semiquaver. /di:'mist/

windscreen

demo

etc.).

/'demau/

monstration

v.

clear mist

demister

from

= de-

n. (pi. -s) colloq.

2, 3.

ation]

demobilize /dL'maubi.laiz/ v.

(also -ise)

(-zing or -sing) disband (troops, ships,

demobilization

/-

zeij(a)n/ n.

democracy /di'mDkrasi/ n.

(pi. -ies) 1 a government by the whole population, usu. through elected representatives, b State so governed. 2 classless and tolerant society. [Greek demokratia rule of the people] democrat /'dema.krset/ n. 1 advocate of democracy. 2 (Democrat) (in the US) member of the Democratic Party.

democratic

/.dema'kraetik/ adj.

1

of,

like, practising, or being a democracy. 2 demofavouring social equality. cratically adv.

Democratic Party n. more liberal of the two main US political parties. democratize /di'mDkra.taiz/ v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make democratic. democratization

demodulate

/-'zeij*(a)n/ n.

/di:'mDdju,leit/

v.

(-ting)

extract (a modulating signal) from carrier.

/di'mDliJV v. 1 a pull down (a building), b destroy. 2 overthrow (an institution). 3 refute (an argument, theory, etc.). Ajoc. eat up voraciously, demolition /,dema'liJXa)n/ n. [Latin

moles mass]

demon

/'di:man/ n. 1 a evil spirit or b personification of evil passion. 2 (often attrib.) forceful or skilful perdevil,

former {demon player). 3 cruel person. 4

daemon) supernatural being in ancient Greece. demonic /di'mDnik/ [Greek daimon deity] (also

adj.

demonetize /di:'mAni,taiz/ or

(-zing etc.)

from

/-'zeij(a)n/

n.

v.

(also -ise)

withdraw (a coin demonetization

-sing) use.

[French: related to

de-,

money]

demoniac

/di'maom.aek/ -adj. 1 fiercely energetic or frenzied. 2 supposedly possessed by an evil spirit. 3 of or like demons, -n. demoniac person. demo-

niacal /,di:ni9 nai8k(a)l/ adj. demoniacally /,di:ma'naiak9li/ adv. [Church Latin: related to demon]

demonism (a

n.

[abbreviation] demob /di:'mDb/ colloq. -v. (-bb-) demobilize, -n. demobilization, [abbrevi-

etc.).

demolish

,

demisemiquaver demist

demonstrator

227

own. [Latin dominicus from dominus

its

demodulation /.drmndju

'leiJXa)n/ n.

demography

/di'mografi/ n. the study of the statistics of births,, deaths, demographic disease, etc. /.dema'graefik/ adj. demographically /.dema'graefikali/ adv. [Greek demos the people, -GRAPHY]

/'di:ma,niz(a)m/

n.

belief in

demons.

demonolatry

/.drma'nDlatn/ n. worship of demons, [from demon, Greek latreuo worship] demonology /,di:ma'nDl8d3i/ n. the study of demons etc.

demonstrable

/'demDnstrab(a)l, di'mDnstrab(a)l/ adj. able to be shown demonstrably adv. or proved. demonstrate /'deman.streit/ v. (-ting) 1 show (feelings etc.). 2 describe and explain by experiment, practical use, etc. 3 logically prove or be proof of the truth or existence of. 4 take part in a public demonstration. 5 act as a demonstrator. [Latin monstro show] demonstration /.deman'streiftajn/ n. 1 (foil, by of) show of feeling etc. 2 (esp. political) public meeting, march, etc. 3 the exhibiting etc. of specimens or experiments in esp. scientific teaching. 4 proof by logic, argument, etc. 5 Mil. display of military force. demonstrative /di'mDnstrativ/ adj. 1 showing feelings readily; affectionate. 2 (usu. foil, by of) logically conclusive; giving proof (demonstrative of their skill). 3 Gram, (of an adjective or pronoun) indicating the person or thing

referred to

(e.g.

this,

demonstratively iveness

that,

adv.

those).

demonstrat-

n.

demonstrator n.

1

person

who demon-

strates politically. 2 person who demonstrates machines etc. to prospective customers. 3 person who teaches by esp. scientific

demonstration.

demoralize demoralize

(-zing or -sing) of; dishearten.

demote

,/di'maut/

rank or

lower

v.

(also -ise)

destroy the morale

demoralization

[French]

/-'zeij"(a)n/ n.

demotion

-'mauJXaJn/ n. [from de-, promote] /di'mDtik/ -n. 1 colloquial

form of a language. 2 simplified form of ancient Egyptian writing (cf. hieratic). -adj. 1 (esp. of language) colloquial or vulgar. 2 of ancient Egyptian or modern Greek demotic. [Greek demos the people] (also absol.)

/.dii'mauti.veit/

(-ting)

v.

cause to lose motivation or

demotivation

incentive.

/-'veiJXa)n/

/di'naial/ n.

denying the truth

1

or existence of a thing. 2 refusal of a request or wish. 3 disavowal of a leader

denier /'denja(r)/ n.

unit of weight meassilk, nylon, etc. [originally the name of a small coin, from Latin denarius]

uring the fineness of

denigrate

/'deni.greit/

(-ting)

v.

blacken the reputation of. denigration /-greij(a)n/ n. denigrator n.

denigratory

/-'greitan/

[Latin

adj.

niger black]

denim /'denim/

n. 1

(often attrib.) hard-

wearing usu. blue cotton

twill

used

for jeans, overalls, etc. 2 (in pi.) colloq:

made of this. [French de of, in France] 1 (usu. foil, by of) inhabitant or occupant. 2 foreigner having certain rights in an adopted country. 3 naturalized foreign word, animal, or plant. [Latin de intus from

jeans

etc.

Nimes

n.

demur /di'm3:(r)/ -v.

(-rr-) 1 (often foil,

by to, at) raise objections. 2 Law put in a demurrer, -n. (usu. in neg.) objection; objecting (agreed without demur).

moror delay]

[Latin

demure

/di'mjua(r)/ adj. (demurer, 1 quiet, reserved; modest. 2

demurest)

demurely

coy.

demureness

adv.

n.

[French: related to demur]

demurrer /di'mAra(r)/ n. Law objection raised or exception taken.

demystify

/di:'misti,fai/

v.

remove the mystery from; demystification

den

denial

etc.

reduce to a

(-ting) class. v.

demotic

demotivate

dent

228

/di'mora.laiz/

n.

1

(-ies, -ied)

clarify.

/-fi'keij(a)n/ n.

wild animal's

lair.

2 place of

crime or vice (opium den). 3 small private room. [Old English] denarius /di'neanas/ n. (pi. denarii /-n.ai/)

ancient

Roman

silver

coin.

[Latin deni by tens]

denary

/'di:nan/ adj. often; decimal. v. (also

denationalize /di:'naejana,laiz/

-ise) (-zing or -sing) transfer (an industry etc.) from public to private owner-

ship,

z denationalization

/-

zeij(a)n/

n.

denature

/di:'neitja(r)/

v.

(-ring)

1

change the properties of (a protein etc.) by heat, acidity, etc. 2 make (alcohol) undrinkable. [French]

dendrochronology

/.dendraukra dating of trees by their annual growth rings. 2 the study of these. [Greek dendron tree] dendrology /den'drDlad3i/ n. the study dendrological /-dra of trees, z 'lDd3ik(a)l/ adj. dendrologist n. [Greek 'nDlad3i/ n.

1

dendron

tree] n. (also dean) valley. [Old English]

dene

dengue

/'derjgi/

n.

narrow wooded

infectious tropical

viral fever. [W. Indian

Spanish from

Swahili]

deniable denied.

/di'naiab(a)l/ adj. that

may be

denizen /'deniz(a)n/ n.

within]

denominate /di nDmi.neit/ v. give a name to, call, describe as.

(-ting) [Latin:

related to nominate] denomination /di,nDmi neiJ(a)n/ n. 1 Church or religious sect. 2 class of measurement or money. 3 name, esp. a characteristic or class name, z denominational adj. [Latin: related to

denominate]

denominator number below

/di'nDmi,neita(r)/

n.

the line in a vulgar frac-

tion; divisor. [Latin

nomen name]

denote

/di'naut/ v. (-ting) 1 (often foil, that) be a sign of; indicate; mean. 2 stand as a name for; signify, z denotation /,di:na'teiJXa)n/ n. [Latin: related

by

to note]

denouement denouement)

1

/dei'nu:md/ n. (also final unravelling of a

plot or complicated situation. 2 final scene in a play, novel, etc. [French, from

Latin nodus knot]

denounce /di'nauns/

v.

(-cing)

1

accuse

condemn. 2 inform against. 3 announce withdrawal from (an armis-

publicly;

tice, treaty, etc.).

z

denouncement

n.

[Latin nuntius messenger] de novo /di: 'naovau/ adv. starting again; anew. [Latin] dense adj. 1 closely compacted; crowded together; thick. 2 colloq. stupid, z densely adv. denseness n. [Latin densus] density n. (pi. -ies) 1 denseness of thing(s) or a substance. 2 Physics degree of consistency measured by the quantity of mass per unit volume. 3 opacity of a photographic image. dent -n. 1 slight hollow as made by a blow or pressure. 2 noticeable adverse

i

I

(

dental with a dent. 2 adversely indent]

mark

affect,

[from

dental

/'dent(a)l/ adj. 1 of the teeth or dentistry. 2 (of a consonant) produced

with the tongue-tip against the upper front teeth (as th) or the ridge of the teeth (as n,s,t). [Latin dens dent- tooth] dental floss n. thread used to clean between the teeth.

dental surgeon n. dentate /'denteit/

dentist. Bot.

&

adj.

Zool.

toothed; with toothlike notches. dentifrice /'dentifns/ n. toothpaste or tooth powder. [Latin: related to dental, frico rub]

dentine

/'dentirn/ n.

(US dentin

/-tin/)

hard dense tissue forming the bulk of a tooth.

dentist

/'dentist/ n.

person qualified to dentistry n.

treat, extract, etc., teeth.

dentition /den'tij(a)n/ n. 1 type, number, and arrangement of teeth in a species etc. 2 teething.

denture /'dentj8(r)/ n. removable artificial tooth or teeth. denuclearize /dir'njuikliaTaiz/

weapons from (a country denuclearization /-'zeij(9)n/

denude

(also

v.

or -sing) remove nuclear

-ise) (-zing

/di'nju:d/

naked or bare. 2

v.

etc.).

n.

(-ding)

(foil,

by

1

make

of) strip

of

denuda(covering, property, etc.). tion /.diinjur'deiJXaM n. [Latin nudus naked]

denunciation denouncing;

n. /di.nAnsi'eiJXaW condemnation. public

[Latin: related to

deny

deplorable

229 1

our funds), -v.

effect (dent in

/di'nai/

v.

denounce] (-ies,

-ied) 1

declare

untrue or non-existent. 2 repudiate or disclaim. 3 (often foil, by to) withhold (a

from (denied him the satisfacdeny oneself be tion; denied it to me). abstinent. [Latin: related to negate] thing)

deodar

/'di:a,dcu(r)/

cedar. [Sanskrit,

deodorant

Himalayan

n.

= divine

tree]

/di:'audarant/

n.

(often

substance applied to the body or sprayed into the air to conceal smells, [related to odour]

attrib.)

deodorize

/di:'9od8,raiz/

v.

(also -ise)

remove or destroy the deodorization /-'zeij(8)n/ n. /,di:oksi acid deoxyribonucleic (•zing or -sing)

smell of.

.raibaunju'klenk/ see

DNA.

[from

de-,

OXYGEN, RIBONUCLEIC ACID]

dep. abbr.

departs. 2 deputy. 1 a (often foil, by from) go away; leave, b (usu. foil, by for) start; set out. 2 (usu. foil, by from) deviate (departs from good taste). 3 esp. formal or literary leave by death; die (departed this life). [Latin dispertio divide] 1

depart /di'pa:t/ v.

departed

-adj. bygone, -n. (prec. by the) euphem. dead person or people. department n. 1 separate part of a complex whole, esp.: a a branch of

administration (Housing Department). b a division of a school, college, etc., by subject (physics department), c a section of a large store (hardware department). 2 colloq. area of special expertise. 3 administrative district, esp. in France. [French: related to depart]

departmental

,

/,di:pa:t

ment(a)l/ adj.

departmentally

of a department. adv.

department store many departments.

n.

large shop with

departure

/di'pa:tja(r)/ n. 1 departing. 2 (often foil, by from) deviation (from the truth, a standard, etc.). 3 (often attrib.) departing of a train, aircraft, etc. (departure lounge). A new course of action or thought (driving is rather a departure for him).

depend

/di'pend/ v. 1 (often foil, by on, upon) be controlled or determined by (it depends on luck). 2 (foil, by on, upon) a need (depends on his car), b rely on (I'm depending on good weather). [Latin pendeo hang]

dependable ability

/-

dependdependableness n.

adj. reliable.

biliti/ n.

dependably

dependant

adv.

n.

(US dependent) person

supported, esp. financially, by another. [French: related to depend] dependence n. 1 depending or being dependent, esp. financially. 2 reliance; trust.

dependency

n. (pi. -ies) country or province controlled by another. dependent -adj. 1 (usu. foil, by on, upon) depending, conditional. 2 unable to do without (esp. a drug). 3 maintained at another's cost. 4 (of a clause etc.) subordinate to a sentence or word. -n.

US

var. of

dependant.

depict /di'pikt/ v. or painting

n. [Latin:

depilate

2 portray in words;

depicter

describe.

piction

represent in drawing

1

etc.

n.

(also -tor), de-

related to picture]

/'depi.leit/

v.

(-ting)

depilation hair from. [Latin pilus hair] I

;

remove

/-'leij(9)n/ n.

depilatory /di'pilatan/-ad/. removing unwanted hair. -n. (pi. -ies) depilatory substance.

deplete sive)

/di'plirt/ v.

quantity; [Latin pleo

in

I

fill]

deplorable ingly bad.

(-ting) (esp. in pas-

numbers, force, or depletion n. exhaust.

reduce

/di'pb:rab(8)l/ adj. exceed-

deplorably adv.

deplore deplore

deploy

v.

spread out (troops) into a line ready for action. 2 use (arguments, forces, etc.) effectively, z dedi'pbi

ployment

n.

-ise) (-zing

v.

1

[Latin plico fold]

depoliticize

v

/.drpa'lrti.saiz/

or -sing)

.

(also

make non-political,

depoliticization

/di'paunant/ —adj. (of esp. a Latin or Greek verb) passive in form but active in meaning. -n. 1 deponent verb. 2 person making deposition under oath. [Latin depono put down, lay aside]

depopulate

'dii'popju.leit/

duce the population tion leij(8)n/ n.

of.

v.

(-ting) re-

z depopula-

-

remove

forcibly or exile to another country; banish. 2 re/7, behave (in a specified manner) /di'po:t/

v.

1

depository

(deported himself well), z deportation /,di'P3:'teiJ(a)n/ n. (in sense 1). [Latin

b store (of wisdom, knowledge, etc.). 2 = depositary. [Latin: related to deposit] /'depau/ n. 1 a storehouse, esp. for military supplies, b headquarters of a regiment. 2 a place where vehicles, e.g. buses, are kept, b US railway or bus

depot

station. [French: related to deposit]

deprave

deprecate cation

deposit /di'pDzit/ -n. 1 a money in a bank account, b anything stored for safe keeping. 2 a payment made as a pledge for a contract or as an initial part payment for a thing bought, b returnable sum paid on the hire of an item. 3 a natural layer of sand, rock, coal, etc. b layer of accumulated matter on a surface, -v. (-t-) 1 a put or lay down (deposited the book on the shelf), b (of water etc.) leave (matter etc.) lying. 2 a store or entrust for keeping, b pay (a sum of money) into a bank account. 3 pay (a sum) as part of a larger sum or as a pledge for a contract. [Latin pono posit- put]

deposit account

n.

bank account that

pays interest but

is

not usu. immedi-

ately accessible.

depositary n.

(pi. -ies)

person to

whom

a thing is entrusted. [Latin: related to deposit]

deposition /.depa'ziJXaJn/ n. 1 deposing, esp. dethronement. 2 sworn evidence; giving of this. 3 (the Deposition) taking down of Christ from the Cross. 4 depositing or being deposited. [Latin: related to deposit] depositor n. person- who deposits money, property, etc.

-ies)

(-ting)

v.

ex-

deprecatory

n.

Usage Deprecate with depreciate. depreciate

is

often confused

/di'prrji.eit/

v.

(-ting)

1

diminish in value. 2 belittle, z depreciatory /di'pri:Ji9t9n/ adj. [Latin: related to price]

Depreciate

depreciation

DEPOSIT]

(pi.

/-'keitan/ adj. [Latin: related to pray]

bearing,

n.

n.

deplore, z depre-

of;

/-'keij(9)n/

with deprecate.

demeanour. [French: related to deport] depose /di'pauz/ v. (-sing) 1 remove from office, esp. dethrone. 2 Law (usu. foil, by to, or that + clause) testify, esp. on oath. [French from Latin: related to

(-ving) corrupt,

/'depri.keit/

press disapproval

deported person,

/di'po:tmant/

v.

pravus crooked]

/di'praeviti/

moral corruption; wickedness.

Usage

/,di:po:'ti:/ n.

deportment

,/di'preiv/

depravity

porto carry]

deportee

a storehouse,

n. (pi. -ies) 1

esp. morally. [Latin

/-'zeij(a)n/ n.

deponent

deport

deprive

230

(-ring) 1 regret deeply. 2 find exceedingly bad. [Latin ploro wail] di'pb:(r)/

is

often confused

/di,pri:ji'eij\a)n/ n. 1

decline in value, esp. due to tear,

made

b allowance

a

wear and

for this. 2 be-

littlement.

depredation

/,depri'deij\8)n/ n. (usu. in pi.) despoiling, ravaging. [Latin: related to prey] depress /di'pres/ v. 1 make dispirited or sad. 2 push down; lower. 3 reduce the activity of (esp. trade). 4 (as depressed adj.) a miserable, b suffering from depression, z depressing adj. depressingly adv. [Latin: related to press 1 ]

depressant esp. of a

-adj.

i

i

|

reducing activity,

body function, -n. depressant

substance.

depressed area

n.

area of economic

depression.

depression

c

1 extreme melancholy, often with a reduction in

/di'prej(a)n/ n.

and physical symptoms. 2 Econ. long period of slump. 3 lowering of winds etc. pressure; atmospheric caused by this. 4 hollow on a surface. 5 pressing down. depressive -adj. 1 tending to depress (depressive drug, influence). 2 of or tending towards depression (depressive illness; depressive father), -n. person suffering from depression. vitality

deprivation

/,depn'veij(a)n/ n. depriving or being deprived (suffered many deprivations).

deprive

/di'praiv/

(-ving)

(usu.

i

i

)d

]

i

\

i

(

j

i

foil,

s

of) prevent from having or enjoying. 2 (as deprived adj.) lacking what is needed for well-being; underprivileged.

A

by

v.

1

i

r

Dept. 1

1

related to priva-

n. [Latin:

tion]

Dept. abbr. Department.

depth n.1a

deepness, b measurement

from the top down, from the surface inwards, or from front to back. 2 difficulty; abstruseness. 3 a wisdom, b intensity of emotion etc. 4 intensity of colour, darkness, etc. 5 (usu. in pi.) a deep water or place; abyss, b low, depressed state, c lowest, central, or inmost part {depths of the country depth in depth thoroughly, out of winter). of one's depth 1 in water over one's head. 2 engaged in a task etc. too difficult for one. [related to deep] ;

jdepth-charge n. bomb exploding under water. ^deputation depjo'teiJ(8)n/ n. delegaj

/

1

tion. [Latin: related to

1

depute

/di'pju:t/

v.

depute]

(-ting) (often

foil,

by

delegate (a task, authority, etc.). 2 authorize as representative. [Latin puto think] to) 1

i

deputize

/'depju.taiz/

(-zing or -sing) (usu. deputy.

!

I

(also

-ise)

by for)

act as

v.

foil,

deputy

/'depjoti/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 person appointed to act for another (also attrib.: deputy manager). 2 parliamentary representative in some countries, [var. of depute] derail /di:'reil/ v. (usu. in passive) cause derail(a train etc.) to leave the rails. ment n. [French: related to rail 1 ]

/di'remd3/ v. (-ging) 1 make derangeinsane. 2 disorder, disturb. ment n. [French: related to rank 1 ] Derby /'da:bi/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 a annual flat horse-race at Epsom, b similar race elsewhere. 2 important sporting contest. 3 (derby) US bowler hat. [Earl of

ierange

Derby]

lerecognize

/di:'rekag,naiz/ v. (also cease to recognize

-ise) (-zing or -sing)

the status of (esp. a trade union).

derecognition /-'niJXa)n/ n. leregulate /di:'regju,leit/ v. regulations from. tion /-'leiJXa)n/ n. ierelict /'deralikt/ -adj.

(-ting) re-

deregula-

move

1

(esp. of a

property) dilapidated. 2 abandoned, ownerless, -n. 1 vagrant. 2 abandoned property. [Latin: related to relinquish]

t

\

:

descale

231

deprival

iereliction /,dera'likj(a)n/ n. 1 (usu. foil, by of) neglect; failure to carry out obligations. 2 abandoning or being abandoned. derestrict /,di:ri'stnkt/ v. remove restrictions (esp. speed limits) from. derestriction n. deieride /di'raid/ v. (-ding) mock. rision /-'ri3(a)n/ n. [Latin rideo laugh] '

de rigueur

/da n'g3:(r)/ predic. adj. required by fashion or etiquette (drugs were de rigueur). [French]

derisive

/di'raisiv/ adj.

=, derisory.

derisively adv. [from deride]

derisory

/di'raisan/ adj. (derisory cheers).

scoffing,

1

ironical 2 ridiculously small (derisory offer). derivation /,den'veij(a)n/ n. 1 deriving or being derived. 2 a formation of a word from another or from a root, b tracing of the origin of a word, c statement of this. derivative /di'nvativ/ -adj. derived; not original (his music is derivative), -n. 1 derived word or thing. 2 Math. quantity measuring the rate of change of another. derive /di'raiv/ v. (-ving) 1 (usu. foil, by from) get or trace from a source (derived satisfaction from work). 2 (foil, by from) arise from, originate in (happiness derives from many things). 3 (usu. foil, by from) show or state the origin or formation of (a word etc.). [Latin rivus

stream]

dermatitis

/,d3:ma'taitis/ n.

inflamma-

tion of the skin. [Greek derma skin, -itis] dermatology /,d3:ma'tDlad3i/ n. the dermatolostudy of skin diseases.

gical logist

adj.

/-ta'lDd3ik(a)l/

dermato-

[from dermatitis, -logy] dermis /'d3:mis/ n. 1 (in general use) the skin. 2 layer of living tissue below the epidermis, [from epidermis] n.

derogate

/'dera.geit/

v.

(-ting)

derogation

etc.).

1

by

right,

/-'geij(a)n/ n. [Latin

rogo ask]

derogatory /di'mgatan/ ing; insulting

adj. disparag-

(derogatory remark).

derogatorily adv. /'denk/ n. 1 crane for heavy weights, with a movable pivoted arm. 2 framework over an oil well etc., holding the drilling machinery. [Derrick, name of a hangman] derring-do /.denn'du:/ n. literary Joe heroic courage or actions, [daring to do]

derrick

/'dens/ n. 1 tropical climbing plant. 2 insecticide made from its root.

derris

[Latin from Greek] n. diesel oil for road vehicles, [diesel-engined road-uehicle] dervish /'d3:viJ7 n. member of a Muslim fraternity vowed to poverty and austerity. [Turkish from Persian, - poor] abbr. Department of Education and

derv

DES

Science.

desalinate

move

/di:'saeh,neit/

v.

(-ting) re-

the salt from (esp. sea water),

desalination

/-'neij(a)n/

n.

r

i

[from

saline]

!

1

(foil,

from) formal detract from (merit,

descale

/di:'skeil/

scale from.

v.

(-ling)

remove

descant descant

act), be descended from have as an ancestor, z descendent adj. [Latin scondo climb] descendant n. person or thing descended from another. [French: related to

DESCEND] di'sent n. 1 act or way of descending. 2 downward slope. 3 lineage, family origin. 4 decline: fall. 5

describe

di'skraib v. (-bing) 1 a state the characteristics, appearance, etc. of. b (foil, by as) assert to be: call {described him as a liar). 2 a draw (esp. a geometrical figure), b move in (a specified way. esp. a curve) (described a parabola through the air). [Latin scribo write] description drskripjom n. 1 a describing or being described, b representation, esp. in words. 2 sort, kind (no food of any description). [Latin: related to DESCRIBE] descriptive di'sknpnv adj. describing, esp. vividly. [Latin: related to describe] descry di skrai v. (-ies. -ied) literary' catch sight of: discern. [French: related to cry] (a

'desi.kreit

sacred place

etc.)

v.

(-ting) violate

with violence, pro-

desecration kreij(a)n desecrator n. [from de-. consec-

fanity, etc. z n.

-

rate]

desegregate

di:segn geit

abolish racial segregation segregation -geij(8)n n,

v.

in.

(-ting^

z

de-

deselect

,di:si lekt v. reject (a selected candidate, esp. a sitting MP) in favour of another, z deselection it

desensitize

di:

sensi.taiz

v.

(also -ise)

(-zing or -sing) reduce or destroy the desensitization sensitivity of. z zeil(8)n n. desert- di'z3:t v. 1 leave without intending to return. 2 (esp. as deserted adj.) forsake, abandon. 3 run away (esp. from military service), z deserter n. (in sense 3). desertion n. [Latin desero sen- leave] -

dezet -n. dry barren, esp. sandy, tract, -adj. uninhabited, desolate, barren. [Latin desertus: related to

DESERT

1

]

desert

3

diz3:t

n.

(in

1

pi) deserved

reward or punishment (got his deserts). 2 being worthy of reward or punishment. [French: related to deserve] n. suede etc. ankle-high

desert boot boot.

desertification di Z3:tifi 'keijom n. making or becoming a desert. desert island n. (usu. tropical) uninhabited island. drz3:v r. (-ving) (often foil, by to - infin.) be worthy of (a reward, punishment, etc.) (deserves a prize), z

deserve

deservedly

adv. [Latin servio

-vidli

deserving adj.

(often

foil,

worthy

by

of)

n.

(also

(esp. of help, praise, etc.).

deshabille

,deza?'bi:ei

habille

attack.

desecrate

desert 2

serve]

descent

sudden

designing

232

deskaBnt 1 harmonizing treble melody above the basic melody, esp. of a hymn tune. 2 poet, melody; song. — r. dis'kaent (foil, by on. upon) talk prosily, esp. in praise of. [Latin cantus song: related to chant] descend di'send v. 1 go or come down. 2 sink. fall. 3 slope downwards. 4 (usu. foil, by on) make a sudden attack or visit. 5 (of property etc.) be passed on by inheritance. 6 a sink in rank, quality, etc. b (foil, by to) stoop to (an unworthy -n.

bi:l

)

des-

deizae biJ dishabille dise state of partial undress. [French. .

= undressed]

desiccate

desi keit

(-ting)

v.

remove

moisture from (esp. food) (desiccated coconut), z desiccation -keijom a [Latin siccus dry]

desideratum -ta)

di zida

ra:tam

n.

(pi

something lacking but desirable.

[Latin: related to desire]

design

-n,

di'zain

preliminary-

a

1

plan or sketch for making something, b art of producing these. 2 lines or shapes forming a pattern or decoration. 3 plan, purpose, or intention. 4 a arrangement or layout of a product, b established version of a product, -v. 1 produce a design for (a building, machine, etc.). 2 intend or plan (designed for beginners). 3 be a designer, z by design on pur" ?se have designs on plan to appropriate, seduce, etc. [Latin signum mark]

designate

dezig nert (-ting) 1 -v. (often foil, by as) appoint to an office or function. 2 specify (designated timesy 3 (often foil, by as) describe as: style. 4 serve as the name or symbol of. -adj. 'dezignat (after the noun) appointed to office but not yet installed. [Latin: related to design]

designation

1 n, dezig'neijom name, description, or title. 2 designat-

ing.

designedly

di

zamidli

adv.

on pur-

pose.

person who designs e.g. sets; theatre machines, clothing, draughtsman. 2 (attrib.) bearing the

designer

label of a

n.

1

famous designer:

designer drug n. an

prestigious,

synthetic analogue of

illegal drug.

designing

adj. crafts-,

scheming.

desirable desirable

adj.

1

worth

having or doing. 2 sexually attractive. desirability biliti n. desirableness -

n.

desirably adv.

desire

predic. adj.

1

(usu.

foil,

by

of)

desiring, wanting (desirous of stardom). 2 wanting: hoping (desirous to do the right thing).

desist

(often foil, by abstain: cease. [Latin desisto]

desk

di'zist

v.

from)

|

1

printer.

desolate -adj. i

desalat

left

1

alone:

dreary (desolate moor). 3 forlorn: wretched. solitary. 2 uninhabited, ruined,

— v.

'desa.leit

(-ting)

1

depopulate, dev-

desolated desolately

astate: lay waste. 2 (esp. as

make wretched,

r adv. desolateness -latnis n. [Latin solus alone] desolation desa'leijVam n. 1 desolating or being desolated. 2 loneliness, grief, etc.. esp. caused by desertion. 3 adj.)

-lath

!

neglected, ruined, or empty state, di spea(r) -n. 1 complete loss or absence of hope. 2 cause of this. -v. (often foil, by of) lose or be without hope (despaired of ever winning). [Latin

lespair

spero hope]

despatch var. of dispatch. lesperado ,despa'ra:dau n. (pi. -es or US -s) desperate or reckless criminal etC. [as

vile:

despikab(a)l. di'spik- adj.

contemptible, esp. morally.

spicably adv. [Latin specio

de-

spect- look

DESPERATE]

lesperate "desparat

adj.

1

reckless 2 a

from despair: violent and lawless.

extremely dangerous, serious, or bad (desperate situation), b staking all on a small chance (desperate remedy). 3 (usu. foil, by for) needing or desiring very much (desperate for recognition)

desperately adv. desperateness n. [Latin: n. -*reij(am desperation i

related to despair]

despise

di spaiz v. . (-t-) 1 harm the good reputation of. 2 cause to be disbelieved. 3 refuse to believe.

discreditable

adj.

bringing discredit;

discreditably adv.

shameful,

discreet

a circumspect, b tactful; judicious, prudent. 2 unobtrusive, discreetly adv. discreetness n. [Latin: related to discern] ,/di'skri:t/ adj.

discrepancy

(-er, -est) 1

/dis'krepansi/

n. (pi. -ies)

discrep-

difference; inconsistency.

ant adj. [Latin discrepo be discordant] discrete /di'skri:t/ adj. individually disdiscontinuous.

tinct; separate,

creteness

dis-

[Latin: related to discern] /di'skreJXa)n/ n. 1 being dis-

n.

discretion

disgust

246

/dis'kredit/ -n.

prudence; good judgement. 3 freedom or authority to act according to one's judgement. use one's discretion act according to one's own judgement. discretionary adj. creet. 2

from embarrassment.

rassment

disembar-

n.

disembodied

/.disim'bodid/ adj.

1

(of

the soul etc.) freed from the body or concrete form. 2 lacking a body. dis-

embodiment n. disembowel /.disim'baual/ -1-)

remove the bowels or

disenchantment

sion.

disencumber

v.

(-J1-;

entrails

disembowelment n. disenchant /,dism'tja:nt/

v.

US

of.

disillu-

n.

/.dism'kAmbafr)/ v free .

from encumbrance.

disenfranchise

/.dism'fraentjaiz/ v. (also disfranchise) (-sing) 1 deprive of the right to vote or to be represented. 2 deprive of rights as a citizen or of a franchise held. disenfranchise-

ment

n.

disengage

/,disin'geid3/ v. (-ging) 1 detach, loosen, release. 2 remove (troops) from battle etc. 3 become detached. 4 (as disengaged adj.) a at leisure, b uncommitted. disengagement n.

disentangle / dism taerig(8)l/ v. (-ling) free or become free of tangles or complications. disentanglement n. ,

[Latin: related to discern]

discriminate

1

/di'sknmi.neit/

v.

(-ting)

(often foil, by between) make or see a distinction. 2 (usu. foil, by against or in favour of) treat unfavourably or favourably, esp. on the basis of race, gender, discriminatory /-natan/ adj. etc. [Latin discrimino: related to discern] discriminating adj. showing good 1

judgement or

taste.

discrimination /di.skrimi'neiJXaW

run]

discus

/'diskas/ n. (pi. -cuses) heavy thick-centred disc thrown in athletic events. [Latin from Greek]

discuss

/di'skAs/ v. 1 talk about (discussed their holidays). 2 talk or write about (a subject) in detail. discussion

[Latin discutio -cuss- disperse] /dis'dem/ -n. scorn, contempt. -v. 1 regard with disdain. 2 refrain or disdainful adj. refuse out of disdain. disdainfully adv. [Latin: related to de-, n.

disdain

deign]

disestablish-

of.

n.

(US disfavor)

/dis'feiva(r)/

1 disapproval or dislike. 2 being disliked, -v. regard or treat with dis-

-n.

disfigure /dis'figa(r)/ v. (-ring) spoil the disfigurement n. appearance of. disfranchise var. of disenfranchise.

disgorge from the

/dis'go:d3/

throat. 2

gorgement

v.

(-ging)

pour

forth,

1

eject

c dis-

n.

disgrace

/dis'greis/ -n. 1 shame; ignominy. 2 shameful or very bad person or thing (bus service is a disgrace), -v. (-cing) 1 bring shame or discredit on. 2 dismiss from a position of honour or in disgrace out of favour. favour. [Latin: related to dis-, grace] disgraceful adj. shameful; causing disdisgracefully adv. grace.

disgruntled

/dis'grAnt(9)id/ adj.

contented; sulky. [from dis-, grunt]

dis-

disgruntlement n.

disguise

disease

unhealthy condition of the body or mind, plants, society, etc. 2 particular kind of disease. diseased adj. [French: related to dis-, /di'zi:z/

n.

1

ease]

disembark

/,disim'ba:k/ v. put or go ashore; get off an aircraft, bus, etc.

disembarkation

disembarrass by

the establishment

ment

disfavour favour.

n.

unfavourable treatment based on racial, sexual, etc. prejudice. 2 good taste or judgement. discursive /di'sk3:siv/ adj. tending to digress, rambling. [Latin curro curs1

foil,

disestablish /.disi'staebhJV v. 1 deprive (a Church) of State support. 2 terminate

/-'keiJX8)n/ n.

/.disim'baeras/

of) relieve (of

a load

v. 1

etc.).

(usu. 2 free

/dis'gaiz/-i;. (-sing) 1 conceal the identity of; make unrecognizable. 2 conceal (disguised my anger), -n. 1 a

costume, make-up, etc., used to disguise, b action, manner, etc., used to deceive. 2 disguised state. 3 practice of disguising. [French: related to dis-] disgust /dis'gAst/ -n. strong aversion; repugnance, -v. cause disgust in. disgusting adj. disgustingly adv. [French or Italian: related to dis-, gusto]

dish dish -fi.1a shallow flat-bottomed con-

tainer for food, b its contents, c particukind of food or food prepared to a particular recipe (meat dish). 2 (in pi.) crockery, pans, etc. after a meal (wash the dishes). 3 a dish-shaped object or cavity, b = satellite dish. 4 colloq. sexually attractive person, —v. 1 colloq. outmanoeuvre, frustrate. 2 make dishlar

dish out

shaped.

dish up

1

disharmonious

harmony; discord. /-'maunias/ adj. dishcloth n. cloth for

dishearten

washing

/dis'ha:t(a)n/

disheartenment n. dishevelled /di'Jev(a)ld/

v.

dishes.

cause to

adj.

(US dish-

disheveleveled) untidy; ruffled. ment n. [from dis-, chevel 'hair', from Latin capillus] dishonest /dis'omst/ adj. fraudulent or

honesty

dishonestly adv. dis-

n.

dishonour

/dis'ona(r)/

(US dishonor)

-n. 1 loss of honour or respect; disgrace. 2 thing causing this. -v. 1 disgrace (dishonoured his name). 2 refuse to accept or pay (a cheque etc.).

dishonourable

adj.

(US dishonor-

able) 1 causing disgrace; ignominious. 2 dishonourably adv. unprincipled. dishwasher n. machine or person that

washes dishes. adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. sexually

attractive.

disillusion /,disi'lu:3(a)n/ -v. free from an illusion or mistaken belief, -n. disildisillusionment n. lusioned state.

disincentive

/.dism'sentiv/

n.

thing

discouraging action, effort, etc. (-ning) /.dism'klam/ v. disinmake unwilling or reluctant. clination /-kli'neij(a)n/ n. infecof cleanse disinfect /.dism'fekt/ v. disinfection, esp. with disinfectant. tion n. disinfectant -n. substance that des-

disincline

troys germs etc. -adj. disinfecting. disinformation /.dismfa'meiftajn/ n. false information, propaganda. disingenuous /,dism'd3enjuas/ adj. indisingenuously sincere, not candid. adv. disinherit /.dism'hent/ v. (-t-) reject as one's heir; deprive of the right of in-

disinheritance n. heritance, disintegrate /dis'mti.greit/ v. ( ting) 1 separate into component parts or fragments, break up. 2

disinter

/,dism't3:(r)

colloq.

break down,

dig

(-rr-)

dl

disinterment

(esp. a corpse),

disinterested

/dis'mtristid

partial. 2 uninterested.

:

up

n.

adj.

1

im-

disinterest

n.

disinterestedly adv.< is

Usage Use of disinterested in sense 2 common in informal use, but is widely

regarded as incorrect. The use of the

noun

disinterest to

est' is

mean

'lack of inter-

also objected to but

it is

rarely

used in any other sense and the alternative uninterest

disinvest

lose courage, hope, or confidence,

insincere.

esp. mentally. 3 (of an atomic nucleus) emit particles or divide into smaller nuclei. disintegration -'greijo)n n.

colloq. distribute,

put (food) in dishes for serving. 2 colloq. present as a fact or argument. [Old English from Latin discus] dishabille var. of deshabille. disharmony /dis'ha:mani/ n. lack of

dishy

dismember

247

is

rare.

/.dism'vest/

v.

pose of one's investment,

ment

reduce or disdisinvest-

n.

disjoint /disjoint/

v. 1 take apart at the joints. 2 (as disjointed adj.) incoherent; disconnected. 3 disturb the working

of;

disrupt.

disjunction

/dis'd3ArikJ\a)n/

n.

sep-

aration.

disjunctive

/dis'd3Arjktiv

adj.

1

involving separation. 2 (of a conjunction) expressing an alternative, e.g. or in is it wet or dry? disk var. of disc (esp. US & Computing).

disk drive

n.

Computing mechanism and reading or writ-

for rotating a disk

ing data from or to

diskette

/di'sket/

it.

n.

Computing

=

floppy n. dislike /dis'laik/ -v. (-king) have an aversion to; not like. -n. 1 feeling of repugnance or not liking. 2 object of this.

dislocate /'disla.keit/ v. (-ting) 1 disturb the normal connection of (esp. a joint in the body). 2 disrupt.

dislocation

/-'keij(a)n/ n.

dislodge /dis'lDd3/ V. (ging) disturb or dislodgement n. move, not loyal; adj. dis'bial/ disloyal unfaithful.

loyalty

dismal

disloyally

adv.

dis

n.

adj. 1 gloomy; miser sombre. 3 colloq. feeble,

/'dizm(o)l

able. 2 dreary;

dismally inept (dismal attempt). adv. [medieval Latin dies mali unlucky days] dismantle /dis'maent(a)l/ v. ling) 1 take to pieces; pull down. 2 deprive of (

defences or equipment. dis'mei/ -n. intense disappointment or despair, -v. fill with dismay. [French from Germanic: related to

dismay dis-,

may]

dismember /dis'memba(r)/ v. 1 remove the limbs from. 2 partition or divide up.

dismemberment

n.

dismiss dismiss

disposable income

248

/dis'mis/

send away, esp.

1

v.

dispatch-box

case for esp. parlia-

n.

from one's presence; disperse. 2 terminate the employment of, esp. dishonourably; sack. 3 put from one's mind or emotions. 4 consider not worth talking or thinking about; treat summarily. 5

mentary documents. dispatch-rider n. messenger on a motor cycle. dispel /di'spel/ v. (-11-) drive away; scat-

Law refuse further hearing to (a case). 6

dispensable

Cricket put (a batsman or side) out (usu. dismissal n. stated score). [Latin mitto miss- send]

dispensary

for a

dismissive

dismissing rudely or

adj.

dismissively casually; disdainful. adv. dismissiveness n. dismount /dis'maunt/ v. 1 a alight from a horse, bicycle, etc. b unseat. 2 remove (a thing) from its mounting.

disobedient

adj.

/,disa'bi:diant/

dis-

disobedience

obeying; rebellious.

n.

disobediently adv.

disobey

/.disa'bei/ v.

refuse or

fail to

obey.

disoblige

/,disa'blaid3/

to help or cooperate

v.

(-ging) refuse

with (a person).

disorder

/dis'o:da(r)/ n. 1 lack of order; confusion. 2 public disturbance; riot. 3 disordered adj. ailment or disease. disorderly adj. 1 untidy; confused. 2 riotous, unruly. disorderliness n.

disorganize /dis'D:ga,naiz/

v.

(also -ise)

(-zing or -sing) 1 throw into confusion or disorder. 2 (as disorganized adj.) disorganbadly organized; untidy.

ization

/-'zeiJXa)n/ n.

disorient

/dis'oinont/

v.

= disorient-

ate.

disorientate

/dis'o:nan,teit/

v.

(also

disorient) (-ting) confuse (a person), disoriesp. as to his or her bearings.

entation

/-'teij(a)n/ n.

disown /dis'aun/

v.

deny or give up any

connection with; repudiate. (-ging) 1 criti2 bring discredit on. disparagement n. [French: related to dis-,

belittle.

parage rank]

disparate

/'disparat/ adj. different; not comparable.

essentially

disparate-

ness n. [Latin disparo separate] disparity /di'spaenti/ n. (pi.

-ies)

inequality; difference; incongruity.

dispassionate /di'spaej\a)nat/ adj. from emotion; impartial.

free

dispassion-

ately adv.

dispatch

/di'spaetJV (also

/di'spensan/

n.

(pi.

-ies)

where medicines are dispensed. dispensation /,dispen'seij(a)n/ n. 1 displace

pensing or distributing. 2 exemption rule, etc. 3 ordering or management of the world by Provid-

from penalty, ence.

dispense

/di'spens/ v. (-sing) ute; deal out. 2 administer. 3

and give out (medicine

1

distrib-

make up

4 (foil, by with) do without; make unnecessary. [French from Latin pendo pens- weigh] dispenser n. 1 person or thing that dispenses e.g. medicine, good advice. 2 automatic machine dispensing a specific

etc.).

amount.

disperse

/di'sp3:s/ v. (-sing) 1 go, send, drive, or scatter widely or in different directions. 2 send to or station at different points. 3 disseminate. 4 Chem. distribute (small particles) in a medium. 5 divide (white light) into its coloured constituents. dispersal n. dispersive adj. [Latin: related to dis-, sparse]

dispersion /di'sp3:J(a)n/ n.

1 dispersing or being dispersed. 2 (the Dispersion)

= Diaspora. dispirit /di'spirit/

(esp. as dispirit-

v.

ing, dispirited adjs.)

make despond-

ent, deject.

displace /dis'pleis/ v. (-cing) from its place. 2 remove from take the place

of;

1

move

office.

3

oust.

n. refugee in war or from persecution. displacement n. 1 displacing or being displaced. 2 amount of fluid displaced by an object floating or immersed in it. etc.,

display

/di'splei/ -v. 1 exhibit; show. 2 reveal; betray, -n. 1 displaying. 2 a exhibition or show, b thing(s) displayed. 3 ostentation. 4 mating rituals of some birds etc. 5 what is shown on a visual display unit etc. [Latin plico fold] displease /dis'pli:z/ v. (-sing) make up-

set or angry;

despatch) -v.

send off to a destination or for a purpose. 2 perform (a task etc.) promptly; finish off. 3 kill, execute. 4 colloq. eat quickly, -n. 1 dispatching or being dispatched. 2 a official written message, esp. military, b news report to a newspaper etc. 3 promptness, efficiency. [Italian dispacciare or Spanish despachar] 1

can be dispensed with.

displaced person

disparage /di'spaend3/ v. cize;

ter (fears etc.). [Latin pello drive] /di'spensab(a)l/ adj. that

annoy.

displeasure

/-'ple3(a)r/ n.

disport

/di'spo:t/

v.

(often

refl.)

play,

[Anglo-French frolic, enjoy oneself. porter carry, from Latin] disposable /di'spauzab(a)l/ -adj. 1 intended to be used once and discarded. 2 able to be disposed of. ~n. disposable article.

disposable income rc., income tax and other fixed payments.

after

disposal disposal

/di'spauz(a)l/ n. disposing of, at one's disposal availe.g. waste. able.

Usage

Disposal is the noun corresponding to the verb dispose of (get rid of. deal with,

etc.).

Disposition

from dispose (arrange,

dispose

is

the

noun

incline).

(usu. foil, by to, or to + infin.) a make willing; incline (was disposed to agree), b tend (wheel was disposed to buckle). 2 arrange suitably. 3 (as disposed adj.) have a specified inclination (illdisposed; well-disposed). 4 determine events (man proposes, God disposes). dispose of 1 a deal with, b get rid of. c finish, d kill. 2 sell. 3 prove (an argument etc.) incorrect. [French: related to pose] /di'spauz/

v.

(-sing)

1

disposition /,disp9'zij(9)n/ n. 1 natural tendency; temperament. 2 a ordering; arrangement (of parts etc.). b arrangement. 3 (usu. in pi.) preparations; plans.

Usage

/.dispa'zes/

v. 1

(usu.

foil,

by

as dispossessed adj.) deprive (a

person)

of.

session

dispos-

2 dislodge; oust.

n.

lack of proportion; being out of propor-

disproportional

portionate adv. disproportionate adj.

dispro-

adj.

1

out of proporsmall etc.

disproportionately adv. /dis'pru:v/

v.

disputant

open to disputably adv.

/di'spju:tab(a)l/ adj.

question; uncertain. !

/di spju:t(a)nt/ n.

person in a

disputation esp.

,

/

1

diskwi ziJ(8)n

dis-

n.

cursive treatise or discourse.

[Latin

quaero quaesit- seek]

disregard treat as neglect.

/.disn'ga.d/ -v.

1

ignore. 2

unimportant.—^, indifference;

disrepair /,disn'pea(r) n. poor condition due to lack of repairs. disreputable /dis'repjotab(a)lac(/. 1 of bad reputation. 2 not respectable in disreput-

character or appearance.

ably adv.

disrepute

/,disn'pju:t/ n. lack of

good

reputation; discredit.

disrespect

/.disri'spekt/ n. lack of re-

disrespectful discourtesy. disrespectfully adv.

spect; adj.

disrobe

/dis'raob/

v.

(-bing)

literary

undress.

disrupt

/dis'rApt/

v.

1

interrupt the

to. 2 break disruption n. disruptive adj. disruptively adv. [Latin: related to rupture] dissatisfy /di'saetis.fai/ v. (-ies. -ied)

continuity

of;

bring disorder

make

discontented;

fail

to

satisfy,

/-'faekJX8)n/ n.

dissect /di'sekt/ v. 1 cut into pieces, esp. for examination or post mortem. 2 anadissection lyse or criticize in detail, n. [Latin: related to section] /di'semb(a)l' v. (-ling) 1 be hypocritical or insincere. 2 disguise or conceal (a feeling, intention, etc.). [Latin

disseminate

/di'semi.neit v. ( ting) spread (esp. ideas) scatter about, dissemination nei.f(o)n n. widely, [Latin: related to dis-, semen]

dissension

/di'senj*(8)n

agreement. [Latin: related

dispute. bate,

disquiet.

n.

disquisition

simulo simulate]

(-ving) prove

false.

disputable

make anxious.

dissemble

tion. 2 relatively too large or

disprove

-v.

-n. anxiety; uneasiness.

disquietude

dissatisfaction

/-'zej(9)n/ n.

disproof /dis'pru:f/ n. refutation. disproportion /.dispra'po^^n/ tion.

disquiet /dis'kwaiat

apart.

See note at disposal.

dispossess of) (esp.

dissident

249

/.dispjui'teiJXaW n. formal. 2 argument;

1

de-

con-

troversy.

disputatious adj. argumentative. dispute /di'spju:t/ -v. (-ting) 1 debate, argue. 2 discuss, esp. heatedly; quarrel. 3 question the truth or validity of (a statement etc.). 4 contend for (disputed territory). 5 resist, oppose, -n. 1 controversy; debate. 2 quarrel. 3 disagreein ment leading to industrial action, dispute 1 being argued about. 2 (of a workforce) involved in industrial action. [Latin puto reckon]

disqualify /dis'kwDli.fai/ v. (-ies, -ied) 1 debar from a competition or pronounce ineligible as a winner. 2 make or pronounce ineligible, unsuitable, or unqualified (disqualified from driving).

disqualification /-fi'keiJX^n/

n.

angry dia to dissent]

n.

/di'sent/-i;. (often foil, by from) disagree, esp. openly. 2 differ, esp.

dissent 1

from the established or official opinion. -n. 1 such difference. 2 expression of this. [Latin: related to dis-, sentio feel) n. 1 person who dissents. 2 (Dissenter) Protestant dissenting from the Church of England.

dissenter

dissentient

/di'senj(.))nt

-adj.

dia

agreeing with the established or official view. -n. person who dissents. dissertation /.disa'teiJO on n. detailed discourse, esp. one submitted towards

an academic degree. [Latin disserto

dis-

cuss]

disservice /dis's3:vis/ n. harmful action, harm. dissident /'disid(a)nt/ -adj. disagreewith the established government, system, etc. -n. dissident person.

ing, esp.

dissimilar sedeo

n. [Latin:

related to

dis-,

adj.

/di'simila(r)/

unlike,

dissimilarity /-'laeriti/

not similar,

n.

(pi. -ies).

dissimulate

/di'simju.leit/ v. ( ting) dissemble. dissimulation /-'leij(a)n/ n. [Latin: related to dissemble]

dissipate

/'disi.peit/

v.

(-ting)

1

dis-

perse, disappear, dispel. 2 squander. 3 (as dissipated adj.) dissolute. [Latin dissipare -pat-]

dissipation

/

1

disi'peiJ(a)n/

n.

1

dis-

solute way of life. 2 dissipating or being dissipated. dissociate /di'sauji.eit/ v. (-ting) 1 disconnect or separate. 2 become disconnected. dissociate oneself from declare oneself unconnected with. dissociation /- eij(9)n/ n. dissociative /-ativ/ adj. [Latin: related to dis-, associ-

ate]

dissoluble

/di'sDljub(a)l/ adj. that

can

be disintegrated, loosened, or disconnected.

dissolute

/'disa,lu:t/ adj. lax in morals; licentious. [Latin: related to dissolve] /,disa'lu:J(9)n/ n. 1 dissolving or being dissolved, esp. of a partnership or of parliament for a new election. 2 breaking up, abolition (of an institution). 3 death.

dissolution

dissolve /di'zDlv/ v. (-ving) 1 make or become liquid, esp. by immersion or dispersion in a liquid. 2 (cause to) disappear gradually. 3 dismiss (an assembly, esp. Parliament). 4 annul or put an end to (a partnership, marriage, etc.). 5 (often foil, by into) be overcome (by tears, laughter, etc.). [Latin: related to dis-, solvo solut- loosen] /'disanant/ adj. 1 harsh-

dissonant

toned; unharmonious. 2 incongruous. dissonance n. [Latin: related to dis-,

sono SOUND

1

]

(-ding) (often foil, by from) discourage (a person); dissuasion persuade against. /di'sweid/

/-'swei3(a)n/ n. related to dis-,

v.

dissuasive adj. [Latin: suadeo advise]

dissyllable var. of disyllable. distaff /'dista:f/ n. cleft stick holding wool or flax for spinning by hand. [Old English]

distaff side

n.

female branch of a

stand]

distant

adj. 1 far away; at a specified distance (three miles distant). 2 remote in time, relationship, etc. (distant prospect; distant relation). 3 aloof. 4 abstracted (distant stare). 5 faint (distant memory). distantly adv.

distaste

/dis'teist/ n. (usu. foil, by for) aversion. distasteful adj. distastefully adv. distastefulness n. 1 distemper /di'stempa(r)/ hist-n. paint using glue or size as a base, for use on walls, -v. paint with this. [Latin, = soak: see distemper 2 ] distemper 2 /di'stempa(r)/ n. disease of esp. dogs, with coughing and weakness. [Latin: related to dis-, tempero mingle] distend /di'stend/ v. swell out by pressure from within (distended stomach), a distensible /-'stensib(a)l/ adj. distension /-'stenj(a)n/ n. [Latin: related to

dislike;

1

TEND ] distich

/'distik/ n. verse couplet. [Greek stikhos line] distil /di'stil/ v. (US distill) (-11-) 1 purify or extract the essence from (a substance) by vaporizing and condensing it and collecting the resulting liquid. 2 extract the essential meaning of (an idea etc.). 3 make (whisky, essence, etc.) by distilling raw materials. 4 fall or cause to in drops, n distillation fall /-'leij(a)n/ n. [Latin: related to de-, stillo

drip]

distiller

/'dist(a)ns/

-n.

1

being far

off;

remoteness. 2 space between two points. 3 distant point or place. 4 aloofness; reserve. 5 remoter field of vision (in the distance). 6 interval of time. -v. (-cing) (often reft.) 1 place or cause to seem far off; be aloof. 2 leave far behind in a race etc. c at a distance far off. keep one's

n.

person

who

distils,

esp.

alcoholic liquor. distillery n. (pi -ies) place where alcoholic liquor is distilled, distinct /di'stinkt/ adj. 1 (often foil, by from) not identical; separate; different. 2 clearly perceptible. 3 unmistakable,

advantage). (distinct decided distinctly adv. [Latin: related to tinguish]

distinction

dis-

/di'stirjkj(a)n/ n. 1 discrim-

inating or distinguishing. 2 difference between two things. 3 thing that differentiates or distinguishes. 4 special consideration or honour (treat with dis5 excellence (person of tinction). distinction). 6 title or mark of honour. [Latin: related to distinguish] distinctive adj. distinguishing, characdistinctively adv. distinctteristic.

iveness

family.

distance

distance remain aloof. [Latin: related to dis-, sto

sit]

dissimilar

dissuade

distinguish

250

c dissidence

n.

distingue

/di'staengei/

adj.

tinguished in appearance, manner, [French]

distinguish

disetc.

/di'stingwiJV v. 1 (often differentiate; see or draw distinctions. 2 be a mark or property of; characterize.. 3 discover by listening, looking, etc. 4 (usu. refl.\ often foil,

by from, between)

distinguished foil,

by

251

make prominent

by)

(dis-

tinguished himself by winning). distinguishable adj. [Latin: related to dis-, stinguo stinct- extinguish] distinguished adj. 1 eminent; famous. 2 dignified.

distort

/di'sto:t/ v. 1 pull or twist out of shape. 2 misrepresent (facts etc.). 3 transmit (sound etc.) inaccurately. distortion n. [Latin torqueo tort- twist]

distract /di'strsekt/ v. 1 (often foil, by from) draw away the attention of. 2 bewilder, perplex. 3 (as distracted adj.) confused, mad, or angry. 4 amuse, esp. to divert from pain etc. [Latin: related to dis-, traho tract- draw]

distraction

/di'straek.f(8)n/

n.1a

dis-

tracting or being distracted, b thing that distracts. 2 relaxation; amusement. 3 confusion; frenzy, madness. distrain /di'strem/ v. (usu. foil, by upon) impose distraint (on a person, goods, etc.). [Latin: related to dis-, stringo strict- draw tight] distraint /di'streint/ n. seizure of goods to enforce

distrait

payment.

/di'strei/ adj.

(fern,

distraite

inattentive; distraught. [French: related to distract] distraught /di'stro:t/ adj. distracted /-'streit/)

with worry, fear,

etc.;

extremely

agit-

ated, [related to distrait]

distress /di'stres/ —n. 1 anguish or suffering caused by pain, sorrow, worry, etc. 2 poverty. 3 Law = distraint, -v. cause distress to, make unhappy. in distress suffering or in danger. distressful adj. [Romanic: related to distrain] distressed adj. 1 suffering from distress. 2 impoverished. 3 (of furniture, clothing, etc.) aged, torn, etc. artificially.

distressed area n. region of high unemployment and poverty, distribute /di'stnbju:t, 'dis-/ v. (-ting) 1 give shares of; deal out. 2 scatter; put at different points. 3 arrange; classify. [Latin tribuo -but- assign]

Usage The second

pronunciation

given, with the stress on the first sylconsidered incorrect by some people.

lable, is

distribution

,

/,distn bju:J(8)n/ n.

1 dis-

tributing or being distributed'. 2 a commercial dispersal of goods etc. b extent to which different classes etc. share in a nation's total wealth etc. distributive /di'stnbjutiv/-ad/. 1 of or produced by distribution. 2 Logic & Gram, referring to each individual of a class, not to the class collectively (e.g.

ditto each, either), -n.

marks

Gram, distributive

word.

distributor

n. 1 person or thing that distributes, esp. goods. 2 device in an internal-combustion engine for passing current to each spark-plug in turn. district /'distnkt/ n. 1 (often attrib.) area regarded as a geographical or administrative unit (the Peak District;

postal district; wine-growing district). 2 administrative division of a county etc. [Latin: related to distrain] (in the US) prosecuting officer of a district.

district attorney n.

nurse

district

home

visits in

distrust

n.

nurse

who makes

an area.

/dis'trAst/

suspicion, -v. have

-n. lack of trust;

no

trust in.

dis-

trustful adj. distrustfully adv. disturb /di'st3:b/ v. 1 break the rest, calm, or quiet of. 2 agitate; worry. 3 move from a settled position (disturbed my papers). 4 (as disturbed adj.) emotionally or mentally unstable. [Latin: related to dis-, turba tumult] disturbance n. 1 disturbing or being disturbed. 2 tumult; uproar; agitation.

disunion

/dis'ju:nian/ n. lack of union;

separation; dissension.

disunite

move

/,disju:'nait/

(-ting)

v.

1

re-

the unity from. 2 separate.

disunity

/-'ju:niti/ n.

disuse -n. /-'ju:z/

disused state, -v.

/dis'ju.s/

(-sing) cease to use.

disyllable /dai'silab(a)l/ n. (also dissyllable) Prosody word or metrical foot disyllabic /-'laebik/ of two syllables. adj.

ditch -n. long narrow excavation

esp. for drainage or as a boundary, -v. 1 and (hedging repair ditches or make ditching). 2 slang abandon; discard,

dull as ditch-water extremely dull. [Old English] dither /'dioa(r)/ -u. 1 hesitate; be inde2 tremble; quiver, -n. state of agitation or hesitation, cisive.

erer n. dithery DODDER

adj.

COllOQ.

dith-

[var. of didder

1

]

dithyramb /'di9i,raem/ n. 1 wild choral hymn in ancient Greece. 2 passionate or inflated poem etc. /-'raembik/ adj. [Latin

ditto

/'ditau/ n.

(pi.

dithyrambic from Greek]

-s) 1

(in

accounts,

inventories, etc.) the aforesaid, the same. 2 colloq. (used to avoid repetition) the same (came late today and ditto yeste rday). [Latin dictum]

Usage In sense 1, the word ditto is often replaced by * under the word or sum to be repeated. ditto

marks n.pl. inverted commas etc.

representing

'ditto'.

ditty short simple song. [Latin: related to dictate] diuretic .daiju'retik -adj. causing increased output of urine, -n. diuretic drug. [Greek: related to dia-, oureo urinditi

n.

(pi.

-ies)

ate]

diurnal

dai'3:n(a)l adj. 1 of the day or daytime. 2 daily. 3 occupying one day. diurnally adv. [Latin diurnalis from dies day] diva dirva n. (pi. -s) great woman opera singer; prima donna. [Italian from Latin. = goddess] divalent dai'veilant adj. Chem. having a valency of two. divan di'vaen n. low couch or bed without a back or ends, [ultimately from Persian divan bench]

dive

-v. (-ving) 1 plunge head first into water. 2 a (of an aircraft, person, etc.) plunge steeply downwards, b (of a submarine) submerge; go deeper. 3 (foil, by into) colloq. a put one's hand into (a pocket, handbag, etc.). b become enthusiastic about (a subject, meal. etc.). 4 move suddenly (dived into a shop), -n. 1 act of diving; plunge. 2 steep descent or fall. 3 colloq. disreputable nightclub, bar, etc. [Old English]

dive-bomb

v.

bomb (a target) from a dive-bomber n. who dives, esp. work-

diving aircraft. z

diver

divisive

252

ditty

n. 1

person

ing under water. 2 diving bird.

diverge

dai'v3:d3 v. (-ging) 1 a spread out from a central point, become dispersed, b take different courses (their interests diverged). 2 a (often foil, by from) depart from a set course, b (of opinions etc.) differ, z divergence n. divergent adj. [Latin: related to di- 2

divest

dai'vest

v.

(usu.

foil,

by

of)

1

unclothe; strip. 2 deprive, rid. [Latin: related to vest] divide di'vaid -v. (-ding) 1 (often foil, by in, into) separate into parts; break up; split. 2 (often foil, by out) distribute; deal; share. 3 a separate (one thing) from another, b classify into parts or groups. 4 cause to disagree. 5 a find how many times (a number) contains or is contained in another (divide 20 by 4; divide 4 into 20). b (of a number) be

contained in (a number) without remainder (4 divides into 20). 6 Pari, vote (by members entering either of two

House divided). -n. 1 dividing line. 2 watershed. [Latin divido -vis-] dividend 'dividend n. 1 share of profits paid to shareholders or to winners in a football pool etc. 2 number to be divided. 3 benefit from an action. [Anglo-French: related to divide] divider n. 1 screen etc. dividing a room. lobbies) (the

measuring-compasses. ,divi'neij (a)n n. supposed supernatural insight into the future etc.

2 (in pi.)

,

divination

[Latin: related to divine] di'vam -adj. (diviner, divinest) 1 a of. from, or like God or a god. b sacred. 2 colloq. excellent; delightful. — v. (-ning) 1 discover by intuition or guessing. 2 foresee. 3 practise divination, -n. theologian or clergyman, z

divine

divinely adv. [Latin divinus] n. person who practises divina-

diviner tion.

diving-bell

n. open-bottomed enclosure, supplied with air, for descent into

deep water.

diving-board

n.

elevated board for

diving from.

,

vergo incline]

divers

archaic various; several. [Latin: related to diverse] 'daiv3:z

diverse related to

adj.

varied. verto vers- turn]

dai'v3:s di-

diversify

make

2 ,

adj.

dai'v3:si,fai

v.

[Latin:

(-ies,

-ied)

vary. 2 spread (investment) over several enterprises. 3 (often foil, by into) expand one's range of products, z diversification 1

-fi'keiKa)n

diverse;

n.

diversion

dai'v3:J(a)n n. 1 diverting or being diverted. 2 a diverting of attention, b stratagem for this. 3 recreation,

pastime. 4 alternative route when a road is temporarily closed, z diver-

sionary adj. diversity dai'v3:siti n. variety. divert dai'v3:t v. 1 a turn aside; deflect, b distract (attention). 2 (often as divert[Latin: adj.) entertain; amuse. related to diverse]

ing

diving-suit

n.

watertight

suit,

usu.

with helmet and air-supply, for work

under water.

divining-rod n. = dowsing-rod. divinity di'vmiti n. (pi. -ies) 1 being divine. 2 god; godhead. 3 theology.

divisible

di'vizib(a)l adj. capable of being divided, z divisibility -'biliti n. division di'vi3(9)n n. 1 dividing or being divided. 2 dividing one number by another. 3 disagreement (division of opinion). 4 Pari, separation of members for counting votes. 5 one of two or more parts into which a thing is divided. 6 unit of administration, esp. a group of army brigades, regiments, or teams in a sporting league, z divisional adj. division sign n. sign (-) indicating that one quantity is to be divided by another. divisive di'vaisrv adj. causing disagreement. divisivelycdi;. divisive-

ness

n.

[Latin: related to divide]

divisor

divorce

by

-n. 1 legal dissolution of a marriage. 2 separation {divorce /di'vois/

thought

between

and

feeling),

-v.

a (usu. as divorced adj.) (often foil, by from) legally dissolve the marriage of. b separate by divorce, c end one's marriage with. 2 separate (divorced from reality). [Latin: related to diverse] divorcee /,divo:'si:/ n. divorced person, divot /'divat/ n. piece of turf cut out by a blow, esp. by the head of a golf club. (-cing)

1

unknown] divulge /dai'vAld3/ [origin

v.

(-ging) disclose,

divulgence n. reveal (a secret etc.). [Latin divulgo publish] divvy /'divi/ colloq. -n. (pi. -ies) dividend, -v. (-ies, -ied) (often foil, by up) share out. [abbreviation]

Diwali

Hindu and

Jainist

illuminations,

held

/di:'wa:li/ n.

festival

with

between

September and November.

[Sanskrit dlpa lamp]

Dixie

/'diksi/ n. southern States of the US. [origin uncertain] dixie /'diksi/ n. large iron cooking-pot used by campers etc. [Hindustani from

Persian]

Dixieland

n.

1

=

Dixie. 2 traditional

kind of jazz.

DIY abbr.

do-it-yourself.

dizzy

/'dizi/ -adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 a giddy, b feeling confused. 2 causing giddiness.

-v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make dizzy. 2 bewilder. dizzily adv. dizziness n. [Old English]

DJ abbr.

1

dinner-jacket. 2 disc jockey. (also jellaba) n.

djellaba /'d3elaba/ loose hooded cloak men. [Arabic] dl abbr.

do

253

divisor /di'vaiza(r)/ n. number which another is divided.

(as)

worn by Arab

decilitre(s).

D-layer

n. lowest layer of the ionosphere. [D arbitrary] D.Litt. abbr. Doctor of Letters. [Latin Doctor Litterarum] abbr. Deutschmark. abbr. decimetre(s). D.Mus. abbr. Doctor of Music. abbr. deoxyribonucleic acid, esp. carrying genetic information in chro-

proceed (do as I do; would do well

to

wait). 5 work at (do carpentry; do chemistry). 6 be suitable or acceptable; satisfy (will never do; will do me nicely). 7 deal with; attend to (do one's hair). 8 on (did badly in the test). 9 solve; work out (did the sum). 10 a

fare; get

traverse (a certain distance) (did 50 miles today), b travel at a specified

speed (was doing eighty). 11 colloq. act or behave like; play the part of. 12 produce (a play, opera, etc.) (will do Shakespeare). 13 a colloq. finish (I've in the garden), b (as done adj.) be finished (day is done). 14 cook, esp. completely (do it in the oven; potatoes aren't done). 15 be in progress (what's

done

doing?).

16

museums). 17

colloq. colloq.

visit

(did

adj.) exhaust; tire out.

the

done

a (often as

b defeat,

kill,

ruin. 18 (foil, by into) translate or transform. 19 colloq. cater for (they do one very well here). 20 slang a rob (did a big bank), b swindle. 21 slang prosecute, convict (done for shoplifting). 22 slang undergo (a term of imprisonment). 23 slang take (an illegal drug), -v.aux. 1 in questions and negative statements or commands (do you understand?; I don 't smoke; don't be silly). 2 ellipt. or in place of a verb (you know her better than I do; I wanted to go and I did; tell me, do!). 3 for emphasis (I do want to; do tell me; they did go). 4 in inversion (rarely does it happen), -n. (pi. dos or do's) colloq. elaborate party, operation, be done with see done, be etc. nothing to do with 1 be no business of. 2 be unconnected with, be to do with be concerned or connected with, do away

with colloq. 1 get rid of; abolish. 2 kill, do down colloq. 1 cheat, swindle. 2 overcome, do for 1 be satisfactory or sufficient for. 2 colloq. (esp. as done for adj.) destroy, ruin, kill. 3 colloq. act as

cleaner

etc. for.

do

in

1

slang a

kill,

b

DM

2 colloq. exhaust, tire out. do justice to see justice, do nothing for

DNA

(or to) colloq. not flatter or enhance, do or die persist recklessly, do out colloq. clean or redecorate (a room), do a per-

dm

mosomes. D-notice n. government

notice to news editors not to publish certain items for security reasons, [defence, notice] do 1 /du:/ -y. (3 sing. pres. does /dAz/; past did; past part, done /(Lin/; pres. part,

doing)

1

perform,

carry

out,

achieve, complete (work etc.) (did his homework; a lot to do). 2 produce, make, provide (doing a painting; we do lunches). 3 grant; impart (does you good; do me a favour). 4 act, behave,

ruin.

son out of colloq. cheat of. do over 1 slang attack; beat up. 2 colloq. redecorate, refurbish, do proud see proud, dos and don'ts rules of behaviour, do something for (or to) colloq. enhance the appearance or quality of. do up 1 fasten. 2 colloq. a refurbish, renovate, b adorn, dress up. do with (prec. by could) would be glad of; would profit by (could do with a rest), do without manage without; forgo, to do with in connection with, related to (what has that to do

;

do

it?; something to do with the weather), doable adj. [Old English] var. of doh. do. ahbr. ditto.

with

do 2

Dobermann pinscher German

/.daubaman

large dog of a smooth-coated breed with a docked tail. [Ger-

'pmja(r)/

n.

man]

doc

dog

254

n. colloq.

doctor, [abbreviation]

docile /'dausail/ adj. submissive, easily docilely adv. docility managed. [Latin doceo teach]

/-'siliti/ n.

dock

1

1 enclosed harbour for the loading, unloading, and repair of ships. 2 (in pi.) docks with wharves and offices. -v. 1 bring or come into dock. 2 a join (spacecraft) together in space, b be joined thus. [Dutch docke] dock 2 n. enclosure in a criminal court for the accused. [Flemish dok cage] dock 3 n. weed with broad leaves. [Old English] dock 4 v. 1 cut short (an animal's tail). 2 take away part of, reduce (wages, supplies, etc.). [Old English]

-rc.

docker

person employed

n.

to load

and

unload ships.

docket

-n. document or label listing goods delivered, jobs done, contents of a package, etc. -v. (-t-) label with, or enter on, a docket, [origin /'dokit/

unknown]

dockland mer

n. district

near docks or

for-

docks.

dockyard n.

area with docks and equipment for building and repairing ships. doctor /'dokta(r)/ -rc. 1 qualified practitioner of medicine; physician. 2 person who holds a doctorate, -v. colloq. 1 treat medically. 2 castrate or spay. 3 patch up (machinery etc.). 4 adulterate. 5 tamper what the doctor with, falsify.

ordered

colloq.

something welcome.

[Latin doceo teach] adj. of or for the degree of doctor. doctorate /'dDktarat/ n. highest university degree in any faculty, often honorary. doctrinaire /,dDktn'nea(r)/ adj. applying theory or doctrine dogmatically. [French: related to doctrine] doctrine /'doktrm/ n. 1 what is taught; body of instruction. 2 a principle of religious or political etc. belief, b set doctrinal of such principles. /-'tram(a)l/ adj. [Latin: related to doctor] docudrama /'dDkju dra:ma/ n. television drama based on real events.

doctoral

(

[from DOCUMENTARY, DRAMA] document -rc. /'dokjumant/ thing providing a record or evidence of events, agreement, ownership, identification,

-v. /'dokju.ment/ 1 prove by or support with documents. 2 record in a [Latin: related to doctor]

etc.

document.

documentary

/.dDkju'mentari/ -adj. 1 consisting of documents (documentary evidence). 2 providing a factual record or report, -n. (pi. -ies) documentary film etc. documentation /,dDkjumen'teiJX9)n/ n. 1 collection and classification of information. 2 material so collected. 3 Computing etc. material explaining a system. dodder 1 v. tremble or totter, esp. from age. dodderer n. solete dial, dadder]

dodder

2

doddery

adj. [ob-

threadlike climbing parauncertain] colloq. easy task,

n.

sitic plant, [origin

doddle

/'dDd(a)l/ n.

[perhaps from doddle = toddle] /dau'dekagan/ n. plane figure with twelve sides. [Greek dodeka twelve, -gonos angled]

dodecagon

dodecahedron

/,daudeka'hi:dran/

n.

solid figure with twelve faces, [from

dodecagon, Greek hedra base] (-ging) 1 (often foil, by about, behind, round) move quickly to elude a pursuer, blow, etc. 2 evade by cunning or trickery, -n. 1 quick movement to avoid something. 2 clever trick or expe-

dodge -v.

dodger

dient.

[origin

n.

unknown]

dodgem /'dod3am/ n.

small electricallydriven car in an enclosure at a funfair, bumped into others for fun. [from dodge, 'em]

dodgy

adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. unreliable, risky.

dodo

/'daudau/ n. (pi. -s) large extinct of Mauritius etc. [Portuguese

bird

doudo simpleton] abbr. Department of the Environ-

DoE

ment.

doe n.

(pi. same or -s) female fallow deer, reindeer, hare, or rabbit. [Old English]

doer

/'du:a(r)/

n.

1

something. 2 person than theorizing.

does

person

who

who

does

acts rather

1

see do doesn't /'dAz(a)nt/ contr. does not. doff v. remove (a hat or clothes), [from

do

.

off]

dog

-n. 1 four-legged flesh-eating animal akin to the fox and wolf, and of many breeds. 2 male of this, or of the fox or wolf. 3 colloq. a despicable person, b person of a specified kind (lucky dog). 4 mechanical device for gripping. 5 (in pi. prec. by the) colloq. greyhound-racing. -v. (-gg-) follow closely; pursue, track, n go to the dogs slang deteriorate, be ruined, like a dog's dinner colloq. smartly or flashily (dressed etc.). not a

dogcart

255

dog's chance no chance at

all.

[Old

English]

dogcart

n. two-wheeled driving-cart with cross seats back to back.

dog-collar n.

1

collar for a dog. 2 colloq.

clerical collar.

dog days

n.pl.

hottest period of the

year.

doge

chief magistrate of Venice or Genoa. [Italian from Latin dux leader] dog-eared adj. (of a book etc.) with bent or worn corners. dog-eat-dog adj. colloq. ruthlessly competitive. dog-end n. slang cigarette-end. dogfight n. 1 close combat between fighter aircraft. 2 rough fight, dogfish n. (pi. same or -es) a kind of small shark. dogged /'dogid/ adj. tenacious; grimly persistent. doggedly adv. dogged-

ness

/daud3/

n. hist,

n.

doggerel

/'dogar(a)l/ n.

poor or

trivial

verse, [apparently from dog] /'dDgau/ adv. z lie doggo slang

doggo

motionless or hidden, 1 of or like a dog. 2 devoted to dogs. -n. (also doggie) (pi. -ies) pet name for a dog. doggy bag n. bag for leftovers given to a customer in a restaurant etc. doggy -paddle n. (also dog-paddle) elementary swimming stroke like that of a lie

doggy -adj.

dog.

doghouse

n.

US &

Austral, dog's ken-

in the doghouse slang in

nel.

dis-

grace.

dog in the manger

n.

person

who

stops others using a thing for which he or she has no use. dogma /'dogma/ n. 1 principle, tenet, or system of these, esp. of a Church or political party. 2 arrogant declaration of opinion. [Greek, = opinion] dogmatic /dog'maetik/ adj. asserting or imposing personal opinions; intolerdogantly authoritative; arrogant. matically adv. dogmatism /'dogm8 tiz(a)m/ n. tend1

ency

to be dogmatic,

dogmatist

n.

dogmatize

/'dDgma.taiz/ v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 speak dogmatically. 2 express (a principle etc.) as dogma. do-gooder n. well-meaning but unrealistic or patronizing philanthropist or

reformer.

dog-paddle var. dog-rose n. wild

dogsbody

n. (pi.

of doggy-paddle. hedge-rose, -ies) colloq. drudge,

dog's breakfast n. colloq.

dog's

(also dog's

mess.

life

n. life

of misery

etc.

dinner)

dolly-bird dog-star

chief star of the constellation Canis Major or Minor, esp. Sirius. n.

dog-tired adj. dog-tooth n.

tired out.

V-shaped pattern moulding; chevron. dogtrot n. gentle easy trot.

or

dogwatch

n. either of two short watches on a ship (4-6 or &-8 p.m.). dogwood n. shrub with dark-red branches, greenish-white flowers, and

purple berries.

DoH abbr.

Department of Health, (also do) Mus. first note of a

doh /dau/ n.

major scale. doily /'doih/

[Italian do] n. (also doyley) (pi. -ies or -eys) small lacey usu. paper mat used on a plate for cakes etc. [Doiley, name of a

draper]

doing

/'du:in/ pres. part, of do n. 1 a action (famous for his doings), b effort (takes a lot of doing). 2 (in pi.) slang unspecified things (have we got all the doings?). doing-over n. slang attack, beating-up. do-it-yourself -adj. (of work) done or to be done by a householder etc. -n. 1

,

such work.

Dolby /'dDlbi/ n. propr.

electronic noise-

reduction system used esp. in taperecording to reduce hiss, [name of its inventor] doldrums /'dDldramz n.pl. (usu. prec. by the) 1 low spirits. 2 period of inactivity. 3 equatorial ocean region with little or no wind, [perhaps after dull, tantrum] dole -n. 1 (usu. prec. by the) colloq. unemployment benefit. 2 a charitable distribution, b thing given sparingly or reluctantly. -v. (-ling) (usu. foil, by out) on the dole distribute sparingly. colloq. receiving fit.

unemployment bene-

[Old English]

doleful

/'daulful/ adj.

1

mournful, sad. 2

dolefully adv. dole dreary, dismal, fulness n. [Latin doleo grieve] doll -n. 1 small model of esp. a baby or child as a child's toy. 2 colloq. a pretty but silly young woman, b attractive woman. 3 ventriloquist's dummy, -v. (foil, by up) colloq. dress smartly, [pet form of Dorothy] dollar /'dDla(r)/ n. chief monetary unit in the US. Australia, etc. [Low German daler from German Taler] dollop /'dDlap/ -n. shapeless lump of food etc. -v. (-p-) (usu. foil, by out) serve in dollops, [perhaps

dolly doll.

n.

2

(pi.

from Scandinavian]

child's name for a for a cine3 easy catch in cricket. n. colloq. attractive and -ies)

1

movable platform

camera dolly-bird stylish young woman. etc.

dolma dolma

or dolmades /-'ma:oez/) E. European delicacy of spiced rice or meat etc. wrapped in vine or cabbage leaves, [modern Greek] dolman sleeve /'dolman/ n. loose sleeve cut in one piece with a bodice. [Turkish] dolmen /'dolman/ n. megalithic tomb with a large flat stone laid on upright ones. [French] dolomite / dola.mait/ n. mineral or rock of calcium magnesium carbonate, [de Dolomieu, name of a French geologist] dolour /'dDla(r)/ n. (US dolor) literary sorrow, distress. dolorous adj. [Latin dolor pain] dolphin /'dolfin/ n. large porpoise-like sea mammal with a slender pointed snout. [Greek delphis -in-] dolphinarium /.dDlfi'neanam/ n. (pi. -s) public aquarium for dolphins, doltish dolt /dault/ n. stupid person. adj. [apparently related to obsolete dol = dull] n. title of some Roman Catholic dignitaries, and Benedictine and Carthusian monks. [Latin dominus master] -dom suffix forming nouns denoting: 1 condition (freedom). 2 rank, domain (earldom; kingdom). 3 class of people (or associated attitudes etc.) regarded collectively (officialdom). [Old English] domain /da'mem/ n. 1 area under one rule; realm. 2 estate etc. under one control. 3 sphere of control or influence. [French: related to demesne] dome -n. 1 rounded (usu. hemispherical) vault forming a roof. 2 domeshaped thing, -v. (-ming) (usu. as domed adj.) cover with or shape as a dome. [Latin domus house] domestic /da'mestik/ -adj. 1 of the home, household, or family affairs. 2 of one's own country. 3 (of an animal) tamed, not wild. 4 fond of home life. -n. domestically household servant. /'dDlma/

n. (pi. -s

Dom

adv. [Latin domus home] domesticate /da'mesti.keit/

v.

(-ting)

1

tame (an animal) to live with humans. 2 domestaccustom to housework etc. ication

/-'keij(a)n/ n.

[medieval Latin:

related to domestic]

domesticity

/.doma'stisiti/ n.

domestic. 2 domestic or

domestic science

n.

1

being

home life. = home

eco-

nomics.

domicile

/'domi.sail/ -n. 1 dwellingLaw a place of permanent residence, b residing, -u. (-ling) (usu. as domiciled adj.) (usu. foil, by at, in) settle in a place. [Latin domus home] domiciliary /.domi'silian/ adj. formal (esp. of a doctor's etc. visit) to, at, or of a

place. 2

Don Juan

256

person's home, [medieval Latin: related to domicile] dominant / dominant/ -adj. 1 dominating, prevailing. 2 (of an inherited characteristic) appearing in offspring even when the opposite characteristic is also inherited, -n. Mus. fifth note of the diatonic scale of any key. dominance n. dominantly adv.

dominate

/'dDmi.neit/ v. (-ting) 1 comcontrol. 2 be the most influential or obvious. 3 (of a high place) overlook.

mand,

domination

/-'neij(a)n/

dominor from dominus

domineer

domineering

n.

[Latin

lord]

/.donu'maOr)/

v.

(often

as

behave arrogantly or tyrannically. [French: related to domadj.)

inate]

Dominican

/da'mmikan/ -adj. of St

Dominic or his order, -n. Dominican friar or nun. [Latin Dominicus Dominic]

dominion /da'minjan/ n.

1

sovereignty,

control. 2 realm; domain. 3 hist, selfgoverning territory of the British Commonwealth. [Latin dominus lord] domino /'domi.nau/ n. (pi. -es) 1 any of 28 small oblong pieces marked with 0-6 pips in each half. 2 (in pi.) game played with these. 3 loose cloak with a mask.

[French, probably as dominion] effect n. (also domino theory) effect whereby (or theory that) one event precipitates others in causal sequence. don n. 1 university teacher, esp. a senior member of a college at Oxford or

domino

1

Cambridge. 2 (Don) Spanish title prefixed to a forename. [Spanish from Latin

dominus

don 2 v.

lord] (-nn-) put on (clothing). [ = do on] /dau'neit/ v. (-ting) give (money

donate

etc.), esp. to

charity, [from donation]

donation /dau'neij(a)n/ n. 1 donating or being donated. 2 thing, esp. money, donated. [Latin donum gift] 1 completed. 2 cooked. 3 colloq. socially acceptable (the done thing). 4 (often with in) colloq. tired out.

done /cL\n/ adj.

5 (esp. as int. in reply to an offer etc.) accepted, z be done with have or be finished with, done for colloq. in serious trouble, have done with be rid of; 1 finish dealing with, [past part, of do ] doner kebab /'dDna, 'dau-/ n. spiced lamb cooked on a spit and served in slices, often with pitta bread. [Turkish:

related to kebab] /'dDnd3(a)n/ n. great tower or innermost keep of a castle, [archaic spelling of dungeon] Juan /'d3u:an, 'wa:nArc. seducer of

donjon

Don

women.

donkey donkey

ass. 2 colloq.

from Duncan:

cf.

donkey jacket workman's

n.

(pi

-s) 1

Neddy]

n.pl. colloq.

very long

time.

donkey-work

laborious part of a

n.

job.

Donna

/'dona/ n. title of an Italian, or Portuguese lady. [Latin mistress] domina donnish adj. like a college don; pe-

Spanish,

dantic.

donor

. 1 feel uncertain or undecided about. 2 hesitate to believe. 3 call in question, z in doubt open to question, no doubt certainly; probably; admittedly, without doubt (or a doubt) certainly. [Latin dubito hesitate] doubtful adj. 1 feeling doubt. 2 causing doubt. 3 unreliable. doubtfully adv

doubtfulness n. doubtless adv. certainly; probably.

douche

,'du:J7

-n.

1

jet of liquid applied

for cleansing or medicinal purposes. 2 device for producing such a jet. -u. (-ching) 1 treat with a douche. 2 use a douche. [Latin: related to duct] dough /dao7 n. 1 thick mixture of flour etc. and liquid for baking. 2 slang to part of the

body

money, c doughy English]

adj. (-ier, -iest). [Old

woman.

[French:

related

to

dower]

dowdy

situation etc.

normal

ate] v. (also dowse) ( sing) 1 a throw water over, b plunge into water. 2 ex-

/'daudi' adj.

(-ier.

-iest)

1

(of

clothes) unattractively dull. 2 dressed dowdily adv. dowdinessn. [origin unknown] /'daual/ -n. cylindrical peg for dowel components structural holding together, -ft (-11-; US -1-) fasten with a

dowdily.

dowel. [Low German] n. rods for cutting into dowels. dower n. 1 widow's share for life of a husband's estate. 2 archaic dowry. [Latin dos dowry] dower house n. smaller house near I big one, as part of a widow's dower. Dow-Jones index /dau'd3aunz/ n. (also

dowelling

Dow-Jones average) a figure indie ating the relative price of shares on the Stock Exchange. [Dow and of American economists] down -adv. 1 into or towards a lower place, esp. to the ground (fall down). 2 in a lower place or position (blinds were down). 3 to or in a place regarded as lower, esp.: a southwards, b away from a major city or a university. 4 a in or into a low or weaker position or condition (hit a man when he's down, down with a cold), b losing by (three goals down; £5 down), c (of a computer system) out of action. 5 from an earlier to a later time (down to 1600). 6 to a finer or thinner consistency or smaller amount

New York

Jones,

1

names

down

down). 7 cheaper (bread is down; shares are down). 8 into a more settled state (calm down). 9 in writing or recorded form (copy it down; down on tape; down to speak next). 10 paid or dealt with as a deposit or part (£5 down, £20 to pay; three down, six to go). 11 with the current or wind. 12 (of a crossword clue or answer) read vertically (five down), -prep. 1 downwards along, through, or into. 2 from the top to the bottom of. 3 along (walk down the road). 4 at or in a lower part of (lives down the road), —attrib. adj. 1 directed down(a down draught). 2 from a capital or centre (down train; down platform), -v. colloq. 1 knock or bring down. 2 swallow, -n. 1 act of putting down. 2 reverse of fortune (ups and downs). 3 colloq. period of depression. be down to 1 be the responsibility of. 2 have

wards

nothing left but (down to my last penny). 3 be attributable to. down on one's luck colloq. temporarily unfortunate, down to the ground colloq. completely, down tools colloq. cease work, go on strike, down with expressing rejection of a specified person or thing, have a down on colloq. show hostility towards, [earlier adown: related to

DOWN 3

]

down 2

n.

1

a

first

covering of young

birds, b bird's under-plumage. c fine soft feathers or hairs. 2 fluffy substance. n. 1

open rolling land. 2

chalk uplands, esp. in

S.

(in pi.)

England. [Old

colloq. of or

cheaper sector of the market. partial initial pay-

n.

ment.

downpipe from a

pipe to carry rainwater

n.

roof.

downpour n.

heavy fall of rain. -adj. 1 plain, straightforward. 2 utter (downright nonsense),

downright

-adv. thoroughly (downright rude). n. congenital disorder with mental retardation and physical abnormalities. [Down, name of a physician] downstage adj. & adv. nearer the front of a theatre stage. downstairs -adv. 1 down the stairs. 2 to or on a lower floor, -attrib. adj. situated downstairs, -n. lower floor. downstream adv. & adj. in the direction in which a stream etc. flows.

Down's syndrome

down-to-earth adj. practical, realistic. downtown esp. US -attrib. adj. of the lower or more central part of a town or city. -n. downtown area. -adv. in or into the downtown area.

downtrodden

adj.

oppressed; badly

treated.

downturn n.

decline, esp. in

economic

activity.

down under

adv. colloq. in the antipodes, esp. Australia.

downward

-adv.

/'daunwad/

downwards) towards what inferior, less important, or

is

(also

lower,

later, -adj.

downwind adj. & adv. in

dowry

of the bar. -adj. 1 pessimistic, gloomy. 2 relaxed. downcast adj. 1 dejected. 2 (of eyes) first

looking downwards. downer n. slang 1 depressant or tranquillizing drug. 2 depressing person or experience; failure. 3 = downturn. downfall n. 1 fall from prosperity or power. 2 cause of this. downgrade v. (-ding) reduce in rank or adj. dejected.

down-

heartedly adv. downheartedness

n.

downhill -adv.

in a descending direction, -adj. sloping down, declining, —n. 1 downhill race in skiing. 2 downward

go downhill

down

in the mouth unhappy. downland n. = down 3 .

colloq.

adj.

is

adj. (-ier,

soft and fluffy. /'dauari/ n. (pi. -ies) property or

money brought by a

bride to her husband. [Anglo-French, = French douaire

DOWER]

dowse

1

deteri-

looking

/daus/

(-sing)

v.

search for

underground water or minerals by holding a stick or rod which dips abruptly

dowser

dowse

2

when over n. [origin

the right spot.

unknown]

var. of douse.

dowsing-rod n. rod for dowsing. doxology /dDk'sDlad3i/ n. (pi -ies) turgical

status.

downhearted

in the direction blowing. -iest) 1 of, like, or

which the wind

covered with down. 2

person.

downbeat-/!. Mus. accented beat, usu.

slope. orate.

to the

down payment

downy

English]

down-and-out n. destitute down and out predic. adj. the

down-market adj. & adv.

moving or extending downwards.

[Old Norse]

down 3

doze

260

or size (grind down; water down; boil

hymn

doxological doxa glory]

etc.

li-

of praise to God.

/-sa'lDd3ik(a)l/ adj.

[Greek

doyenne /doian/ n. (fern, /doi'en/) senior member of a group. 1 [French: related to dean ] doyley var. of doily. doz. abbr. dozen. doze -v. (-zing) sleep lightly; be half doze off asleep, -n. short light sieep.

doyen

fall lightly

asleep, [origin

unknown]

dozen dozen

1

(prec.

;

very many (dozens of errors). talk nineteen to the dozen talk incess-

colloq.

antly. [Latin

dozy adj.

duodecim twelve] drowsy. 2

(-ier, -iest) 1

stupid or lazy. abbr. Director of Public Prosecu-

dirty, wet, or trailing, [from

(drabber, drabbest)

1

dull,

uninteresting. 2 of a dull brownish colour, n drably adv. drabness n. [obsol-

drap

cloth]

drachm

/draem/ n. weight formerly used by apothecaries, = V 8 ounce. [Latin from Greek]

drachma

/'draekma/ n. (pi. -s) 1 chief monetary unit of Greece. 2 silver coin of ancient Greece. [Greek drakhme] Draconian /dra'keunian/ adj. (of laws) very harsh, cruel. [Drakon, name of an Athenian lawgiver] draft /dra:ft/ -n. 1 preliminary written version of a speech, document, etc., or outline of a scheme. 2 a written order for payment of money by a bank, b drawing of money by this. 3 a detachment from a larger group, b selection of this. 4 US conscription. 5 US = draught, -v. 1 prepare a draft of (a document, scheme, etc.). 2 select for a special duty or purpose. 3 US conscript, [phonetic spelling of draught] draftsman n. 1 person who drafts documents. 2 = draughtsman 1. [phonetic spelling of draughtsman] drafty US var. of draughty. drag -v. (-gg-) 1 pull along with effort. 2 a trail or allow to trail along the ground, b (often foil, by on) (of time, a meeting, etc.) go or pass slowly or tediously. 3 a use a grapnel, b search the bottom of (a river etc.) with grapnels, nets, etc. 4 (often foil, by to) colloq. take (an esp. unwilling person) with one. 5 (foil, by on, at) draw on (a cigarette etc.). -n. 1 a obstruction to progress, b retarding force or motion. 2 colloq. boring or tiresome person, duty, etc. 3 a lure before hounds as a substitute for a fox. b hunt using this. 4 apparatus for dredging. 5 = drag-net. 6 slang inhalation. 7 slang women's clothes worn by men. drag one's feet be deliberately slow or reluctant to act. drag in introduce (an irrelevant subject), drag out protract, drag up colloq. introduce or revive (an unwelcome subject). [Old English or

Old Norse]

(-ling)

1

trailing. 2

make hang

1 net drawn through a river or across the ground to trap fish or game. 2 systematic hunt for criminals

dragon

/'draegan/ n. 1 mythical usu. like a reptile, able to breathe fire. 2 fierce woman. [Greek, =

serpent] large insect with a long

n.

body and two pairs of transparent

Doctor.

adj.

v.

limp by drag]

drag-net n.

dragonfly

Dr abbr.

ete

/'draeg(8)l/

winged monster

tions.

drab

draggle

etc.

colloq.

D.Phil, abbr. Doctor of Philosophy.

DPP

dramatis personae

261

by a or a number) (pi. dozen) twelve (a dozen eggs; two dozen eggs). 2 set of twelve (sold in dozens). 3 (in pi. usu. foil, by of) /'dAz(8)n/ n.

wings.

dragoon /dra'gum/ -n.

1 cavalryman. 2 fierce fellow, -v. (foil, by into) coerce or bully into. [French dragon: related to

dragon]

drag queen n.

slang derog. male homosexual transvestite. drain -f. 1 draw off liquid from. 2 draw off (liquid). 3 flow or trickle away. 4 dry or become dry as liquid flows away. 5 exhaust of strength or resources. 6 a drink to the dregs, b empty (a glass etc.) by drinking the contents, -n. 1 a channel, conduit, or pipe carrying off liquid, sewage, etc. b tube for drawing off discharge etc. 2 constant outflow or down the drain colloq. expenditure, lost, wasted. [Old English: related to dry]

drainage drains. 3

n.

draining. 2 system of

1

what

drained

is

draining-board surface

beside

washed

dishes.

drainpipe

n.

1

off.

sloping grooved sink for draining

n.

a

pipe for carrying off

water etc. 2 (attrib.) (of trousers) very narrow. 3 (in pi.) very narrow trousers. drake n. male duck, [origin uncertain]

Dralon

/'dreilDn/ n. propr. 1 synthetic acrylic fibre. 2 fabric made from this, [invented word, after nylon] sp n. 1 small drink of spirits. whisky. 2 = drachm. [Latin drama:

dram

>

t

related to drachm] /'dra:ma/ n. 1 play for stage or broadcasting. 2 art of writing, acting, or presenting plays. 3 dramatic event or quality (the drama of the situation). [Latin from Greek drao do] dramatic /dra'maetik/ad/'. 1 of drama. 2 sudden and exciting or unexpected. 3 vividly striking. 4 (of a gesture etc.) dramatically adv. theatrical. [Greek: related to drama] dramatics n.pl (often treated as sing.) 1 performance of plays. 2 exaggerated

drama

behaviour.

dramatis personae "saunai/ n.pl.

1

/.draematis

p3:

characters in a play. 2 list persons of the drama]

of these. [Latin,

dramatist dramatist

n.

writer of

v.

(also -ise)

dramas.

dramatize

'draema.taiz/

(-zing or -sing) 1 turn (a novel etc.) into a play. 2 make a dramatic scene of. 3 behave dramatically. dramatiza-

tion

/-'zeij(9)n/ n.

drank past

of drink. (-ping) 1 hang or cover loosely, adorn with cloth etc. 2 arrange

drape

-v.

(hangings

etc.) esp. in folds,

—n. (in pi.)

US curtains. [Latin drappus cloth] draper n. dealer in textile fabrics. drapery n. (pi. -ies) 1 clothing or hangings arranged in folds. 2 draper's trade or fabrics. drastic /'draestik/ adj. far-reaching in severe, effect; z drastically adv. [Greek drastikos: related to drama] drat colloq. -v. (-tt-) (usu. as int.) curse (drat the thing!). -int. expressing anger or annoyance, z dratted adj. [(Go)drot] draught /dra.ft/ n. (US draft) 1 current of air in a room or chimney etc. 2 pulling, traction. 3 depth of water needed to float a ship. 4 drawing of liquor from a cask etc. 5 a single act of drinking or inhaling, b amount drunk thus. 6 (in pi.) game for two with 12 pieces each on a draughtboard. 7 a drawing in of a fishing-net. b fish so caught, z feel the draught colloq. suffer from esp. financial hardship, [related to

draw]

draught beer

n. beer from the cask, not bottled or canned,

draughtboard draught-horse

n.

= chessboard. horse for heavy

n.

work.

draughtsman

n. 1 person who makes drawings, plans, or sketches. 2 piece in draughtsmanship n. draughts, draughty adj. (US drafty) (-ier, -iest) (of a room etc.) letting in sharp currents of air. z draughtiness n. draw -v. (past drew /dru:/; past part. drawn) 1 pull or cause to move towards

or after one. 2 pull (a thing) up, over, or across. 3 pull (curtains etc.) open or shut. 4 take (a person) aside. 5 attract; bring; take in (drew a deep breath; felt

drawn

drawstring

262

/'draematist/

to her;

drew my

attention;

drew

a crowd). 6 (foil, by at, on) inhale from (a cigarette, pipe, etc.). 7 (also absol.) take out; remove (a tooth, gun, cork, card,

8 obtain or take from a source (draw a salary; draw inspiration; drew £100 out). 9 a (also absol.) make (a line or mark), b produce (a picture) etc.).

thus, c represent (something) thus. 10 (also absol.) finish (a contest or game) with equal scores. 11 proceed (drew near the bridge; draw to a close; drew level). 12 infer (a conclusion). 13 a elicit,

evoke (draw

b induce (a person) to reveal facts etc. 14 haul up (water) from a well. 15 bring out (liquid from a tap etc. or blood from a wound). 16 extract a liquid essence from. 17 (of a chimney etc.) promote or allow a draught. 1 8 (of tea) infuse. 19a obtain by lot (drew the winner), b absol. draw lots. 20 (foil, by on) call on (a person or a person's skill etc.). 21 write out or compose (a cheque, document, etc.). 22 formulate or perceive (a comparison or distinction). 23 disembowel. 24 search (cover) for game. 25 drag (a badger or fox) from a hole. -n. 1 act of drawing. 2 person or thing attracting custom, attention, etc. 3 drawing of lots, raffle. 4 drawn game. 5 inhalation of smoke etc. z draw back withdraw from an undertaking, draw a bead on see bead, draw a blank see blank, draw in 1 (of days)

become

criticism),

shorter. 2 persuade to join. 3 (of

a train) arrive at a station, draw in one's horns become less assertive or ambitious, draw the line at set a limit of tolerance etc. at. draw lots see lot. draw on 1 approach, come near. 2 lead to. 3 allure. 4 put (gloves, boots, etc.) on. draw out 1 prolong. 2 elicit. 3 induce to talk. 4 (of days) become longer. 5 (of a train) leave a station, draw up 1 draft (a document etc.). 2 bring into order. 3 come to a halt. 4 make (oneself) erect, quick on the draw quick to react. [Old English] drawback n. disadvantage. drawbridge n. hinged retractable bridge, esp. over a moat. drawer /'dro:a(r)/ n. 1 person or thing that draws, esp. a cheque etc. 2 also /dro:(r)/ lidless boxlike storage compartment, sliding in and out of a table etc. (chest of drawers). 3 (in pi.) knickers, underpants. drawing n. 1 art of representing by line with a pencil etc. 2 picture etc. made thus.

drawing-board paper

is

fixed for

n. board on which drawing on.

drawing-pin

flat-headed pin for n. fastening paper etc. to a surface. drawing-room n. 1 room in a private house for sitting or entertaining in. 2 (attrib.) restrained, polite (drawing-

room manners),

[earlier

withdrawing-

room]

drawl -v.

speak with drawn-out vowel sounds, -n. drawling utterance or way of speaking. [Low German or Dutch] drawn adj. looking strained and tense. drawstring n. string or cord threaded through a waistband, bag opening, etc.

{

dray loads,

esp.

beer-barrels,

[related

to

draw]

dread

/dred/ -v. fear greatly, esp. in — n. great fear or apprehen1 dreaded. 2 archaic aweinspiring, dreadful. [Old English] dreadful adj. 1 terrible. 2 colloq. very annoying, very bad. dreadfully adv. dreaidlocks n.pl. Rastafarian hairstyle with hair hanging in tight braids on all

advance.

sion, -adj.

sides.

dream -n.

1

series of scenes or feelings

mind of a sleeping person. 2 daydream or fantasy. 3 ideal, aspiration. 4 in the

beautiful or ideal person or thing, -v. (past and past part, dreamt /dremt/ or dreamed) 1 experience a dream. 2 imagine as in a dream. 3 (with neg.) consider possible (never dreamt that he would come; would not dream of it). 4 (foil, by away) waste (time). 5 be indream up active or unpractical. imagine, invent, like a dream colloq. dreamer n. [Old easily, effortlessly. English] dreamboat n. colloq. sexually attractive or ideal person. dreamland n. ideal or imaginary land. dreamy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 given to daydreaming or fantasy. 2 dreamlike; dreamily vague. 3 colloq. delightful. adv. dreaminess n. dreary adj. (-ier, -iest) dismal, dull, drearily adv. dreariness n. gloomy. [Old English]

dredge

dribble

263

dray n. low cart without sides for heavy

-n. apparatus used to scoop up oysters etc., or to clear mud etc., from a river or sea bed. -v. (-ging) 1 (often foil, by up) a bring up or clear (mud etc.) with a dredge, b bring up (something forgotten) (dredged it all up). 2 clean with or use a dredge, [origin uncertain] dredge 2 v. (-ging) sprinkle with flour, sugar, etc. [earlier = sweetmeat, from 1

French]

dredger

1

n.

1

boat with a dredge. 2

dredge.

dredger 2 n.

container with a perforated lid, for sprinkling flour, sugar, etc. dregs n.pl. 1 sediment; grounds, lees. 2 = scum n. 2 (dregs of humanity). [Old Norse] drench -v. 1 wet thoroughly. 2 force (an animal) to take medicine, -n. dose of medicine for an animal. [Old English] dress -v. 1 a (also absol.) put clothes on. b have and wear clothes (dresses welt). 2 put on evening dress. 3 arrange or adorn (hair, a shop window, etc.). 4 treat (a wound) esp. with a dressing. 5 a prepare (poultry, crab, etc.) for cooking or eating, b add dressing to (a salad etc.). 6 apply manure to. 7 finish the surface of

(fabric, leather, stone, etc.). 8 correct the alignment of (troops). 9 make (an artificial fly) for fishing, -n. 1 woman's

garment of a bodice and skirt. 2 clothwhole outfit. 3 formal or

ing, esp. a

ceremonial costume. 4 external coveroutward form, r dress down col-

ing;

loq. 1 reprimand or scold. 2 dress informally, dress up 1 put on special clothes. 2 make (a thing) more attractive or interesting. [French dresser, ultimately related to direct] dressage /'dresa:3/ n. training of a

horse in obedience and deportment; display of this. [French] dress circle n. first gallery in a theatre.

dress coat

man's swallow-tailed

n.

evening coat.

dresser

1

n. kitchen sideboard with shelves for plates etc. [French dresser prepare] dresser 2 n. 1 person who helps to dress actors or actresses. 2 surgeon's assistant in operations. 3 person who dresses in a specified way (snappy dresser). dressing n. 1 putting one's clothes on. 2 a sauce, esp. of oil and vinegar etc., for salads (French dressing), b sauce or

stuffing etc. for food. 3 bandage, ointment, etc., for a wound. 4 size or stiffening used to coat fabrics. 5 compost etc. spread over land.

dressing-down n. colloq. scolding. dressing-gown n. loose robe worn when one is not fully dressed. dressing-room n. room for changing one's

esp.

clothes,

in

a

theatre,

or

attached to a bedroom.

dressing-table n. table with a Qa1 top, mirror, and drawers, used while applying make-up etc. dressmaker n. person who makes women's clothes, esp. for a living,

dressmaking

n.

dress rehearsal full

n. final

rehearsal

In

costume.

n. waterproof materia] Ln the armpit of a dress to protect it from sweat.

dress-shield

n. man's shirt worn with evening dress, usu. whito with concealed buttons or studs.

dress-shirt

dressy

adj.

(-ier,

-iest)

colloq.

(of

clothes or a person) smart, elaborate, dressiness n. elegant, drew past of draw. drey /drei/ n. squirrel's nest, [origin

unknown] dribble /dnb(a)l/ -v. (-ling) 1 allow saliva to flow from the mouth. 2 flow or allow to flow in drops. 3 (also absol. ) esp. Football & Hockey move (the ball) forward with slight touches of the feet or

driblet act of dribbling. 2 dribbling flow, [obsolete drib = drip] driblet /'dnblit/ n. small quantity. 1

dribs and drabs

n.pl.

colloq.

small

dried past and past part, of dry. drier compar. of dry. drier2 /'draia(r)/ n. (also dryer) device 1

for drying hair, laundry, etc.

driest super

I.

of dry.

drift -n. 1 a slow movement or variation, b this caused by a current. 2 intention, meaning, etc. of what is said etc. 3 mass of snow etc. heaped up by the wind. 4 esp. derog. state of inaction. 5 slow deviation of a ship, aircraft, etc., from its course. 6 fragments of rock heaped up (glacial drift). 7 S.Afr. ford. -v. 1 be carried by or as if by a current of air or water. 2 progress casually or aimlessly (drifted into teaching). 3 pile or be piled into drifts. 4 (of a current) carry, cause to drift. [Old Norse and Germanic trift movement of cattle] drifter n. 1 aimless person. 2 boat used for drift-net fishing. drift-net n. net for sea fishing, allowed to drift.

driftwood

n.

wood

floating

on moving

water or washed ashore. or machine for boring holes, sinking wells, etc. 2 instruction in military exercises. 3 routine procedure in an emergency (fire-drill). 4 thorough training, esp. by repetition. 5 colloq. recognized procedure (what's the drill?), -v. 1 a make a hole in or through with a drill, b make (a hole) with a drill. 2 train or be trained by drill. [Dutch] drill 2 -n. 1 machine for making furrows, sowing, and covering seed. 2 small furrow. 3 row of seeds sown by a -v. [origin drill, plant in drills, 1

-rc. 1 tool

unknown] drill 3

n.

fabric.

toast;

drink up (also or the remainder of. drinker n. [Old Eng-

wish success

absol.) drink all drinkable adj.

to.

lish]

drink-driver

scattered amounts.

drill

driven

264

-n.

stick,

coarse twilled cotton or linen having three [Latin trilix

threads] drill 4 n. W. African baboon related to the mandrill, [probably native] drily adv. (also dryly) in a dry manner. drink -u. (past drank; past part. drunk) 1 a (also absol.) swallow (liquid), b swallow the contents of (a vessel). 2 take alcohol, esp. to excess. 3 (of a plant, sponge, etc.) absorb (moisture). 4 bring (oneself etc.) to a specified condition by drinking. 5 wish (a person good health etc.) by drinking (drank his health), -n. 1 a liquid for drinking, b draught or specified amount of this. 2 a alcoholic liquor, b portion, glass, etc. of this, c excessive use of alcohol (took to drink). 3 (the drink) colloq. the sea. drink in listen eagerly to. drink to

n. person who drives with excess alcohol in the blood.

drink-driving

drip -u. (often

(-pp-)

foil,

n.

1 fall

or

let fall in

by with) be so wet as

drops. 2 to

shed

drops, -n. 1 a liquid falling in drops (steady drip of rain), b drop of liquid, c sound of dripping. 2 colloq. dull or ineffectual person. 3 = drip-feed. be dripping with be full of or covered with. [Danish: cf. drop] drip-dry -v. dry or leave to dry creasefree when hung up. — adj. able to be dripdried.

drip-feed -v. feed intravenously in drops, -n.

1

feeding thus. 2 apparatus

for doing this.

dripping

n.

fat

melted from roasted

meat.

drippy

adj. (-ier, -iest)

slang ineffec-

tual; sloppily sentimental.

drive

-v. (-ving; past drove; past part. driven /'dnv(a)n/) 1 urge forward, esp. forcibly. 2 a compel (was driven to complain), b force into a specified state (drove him mad), c (often refl.) urge to overwork. 3 a operate and direct (a vehicle, locomotive, etc.). b convey or be conveyed in a vehicle, c be competent to drive (a vehicle) (does he drive?), d travel in a private vehicle. 4 (of wind etc.) carry along, propel, esp. rapidly (driven snow, driving rain). 5 a (often foil, by into) force (a stake, nail, etc.) into place by blows, b bore (a tunnel etc.). 6 effect or conclude forcibly (drove a hard bargain; drove his point home). 7 (of power) operate (machinery). 8 (usu. foil, by at) work hard; dash, rush. 9 hit (a ball) forcibly, -n. 1 journey or excursion in a vehicle. 2 a (esp. scenic) street or road, b private road through a garden to a house. 3 a motivation and energy, b inner urge (sex-drive). 4 forcible stroke of a bat etc. 5 organized effort (membership drive). 6 a transmission of power to machinery, wheels, etc. b position of the steering-wheel in a vehicle (left-hand drive), c Computing = disk drive. 7 organized whist, bingo, etc. competidrive at seek, intend, or mean tion. (what is he driving at?). [Old English]

drive-in -attrib. adj. (of a bank, cinema, etc.) used while sitting in one's car. -ft. such a bank, cinema, etc. drivel /'dnv(a)l/ -n. silly talk; nonsense, -v. (-11-; t/S-l-, -ling) 1 talk drivel. 2 run at the mouth or nose. [Old English]

driven past part,

of drive.

drive-on drive-on

on

to

which

may

vehicles

driver n.

1

be driven. person who drives a vehicle.

2 golf-club for driving from a tee. n. = drive n. 2b. driving-licence n. licence permitting

driveway

one to drive a vehicle.

driving test

n.

official

test of

com-

petence to drive.

driving-wheel n. wheel communicating motive power in machinery. drizzle

/'dnz(a)l/ ~n. very fine rain. -v. (-ling) (of rain) fall in very fine drops. drizzly adj. [Old English] droll /draul/ adj. quaintly amusing;

strange, odd.

drolly

drollery

n.

(pi.

-ies).

[French] /'dromidan/ n. (pi. -ies) one-humped (esp. Arabian) camel bred for riding. [Greek dromas -ados runner] /'draulli/ adv.

dromedary drone

non-working male of the honey-bee. 2 idler. 3 deep humming sound. 4 monotonous speaking tone. 5 bass-pipe of bagpipes or its continuous note. -v. (-ning) 1 make a deep humming sound. 2 speak or utter monoton-rc.

1

ously. [Old English] v. 1 slobber, dribble. 2 (often foil, by over) admire extravagantly, [from

drool

drivel] droop -v. 1 bend or hang down, esp. from weariness; flag. 2 (of the eyes) look downwards, -n. 1 drooping attitude. 2 droopy adj. [Old Norse: loss of spirit. related to drop] drop -n.1a globule of liquid that hangs, falls, or adheres to a surface, b very small amount of liquid (just a drop left). c glass etc. of alcohol. 2 a abrupt fall or slope, b amount of this (drop of fifteen feet), c act of dropping, d fall in prices, temperature, etc. e deterioration (drop in status). 3 drop-shaped thing, esp. a pendant or sweet. 4 curtain or scenery let down on to a stage. 5 (in pi.) liquid medicine used in drops (eye drops). 6 minute quantity. 7 slang hiding-place for stolen goods etc. 8 slang bribe, -v. (-pp-) 1 fall or let fall in drops, shed (tears, blood). 2 fall or allow to fall; let go. 3 a sink down from exhaustion or injury, b die. c fall naturally (drop asleep; drop into the habit). 4 a (cause to) cease or lapse; abandon, b colloq. cease to associate with or discuss. 5 set

down

(a

passenger

etc.)

(drop

me here).

6 utter or be uttered casually (dropped a hint). 7 send casually (drop a line). 8 a fall or allow to fall in direction, amount, condition, degree, pitch, etc. (voice dropped; wind dropped; we dropped the

b (of a person) jump down lightly; oneself fall, c allow (trousers etc.) to fall to the ground. 9 omit (a letter) in

price), let

drub

265

adj. (of a ship)

speech (drop one's h's). 10 (as dropped adj.) in a lower position than usual (dropped handlebars; dropped waist). 11 give birth to (esp. a lamb). 12 lose (a

game, point, etc.). 13 deliver by parachute etc. 14 Football send (a ball), or score (a goal), by a drop-kick. 15 colloq. dismiss or omit (dropped from the team). at the drop of a hat promptly, instantly, drop back (or behind) fall back; get left behind, drop a brick colloq. make an indiscreet or embarrassing remark, drop a curtsy curtsy,

drop in (or by) colloq. visit casually, drop off 1 fall asleep. 2 drop (a passenger), drop out colloq. cease to pardroplet

ticipate.

drop-curtain

n. [Old English] painted curtain low-

n.

ered on to a stage. n. Football kick as the ball touches the ground having been dropped. drop-out n. colloq. person who has dropped out of conventional society, a course of study etc. dropper n. device for releasing liquid in

drop-kick

,

drops.

droppings

n.pl. 1

dung

of animals or

birds. 2 thing that falls or

has fallen in

drops.

drop scone

n. scone made by dropping a spoonful of mixture into the pan etc. drop-shot n. (in tennis) shot dropping abruptly over the net.

dropsy

/'dropsi/ n.

= oedema,

drop-

sical adj. [earlier hydropsy from Greek hudrops: related to hydro ]

drosophila

/dra'sDftla/ n. fruit fly

used

in genetic research. [Greek, = dewloving] dross n. 1 rubbish. 2 a scum from melted metals, b impurities. [Old English] drought /draot/ n. prolonged absence of rain. [Old English] drove past of drive. 1

drove 2

a

n. 1

moving crowd, b

(in

/;/.

number

(people arrived in droves). 2 herd or flock driven or moving together. [Old English: related to

colloq. great

drive]

drover

n.

drown

v. 1

herder of kill

cattle.

or die by submersion

m

2 submerge; flood; drench. 3 deaden (grief etc.) by drinking. 4 (often foil, by out) overpower (sound) with liquid.

louder sound, [probably Old English] /drauz/ v. (-sing) be lightly asleep, [from drowsy] drowsy /'drauzi/ adj. (-ier, -iest) very drowsily adv. sleepy, almost asleep, drowsiness n. [probably Old English]

drowse

drub

v.

(-bb-)

thoroughly,

aba beat]

1

beat, thrash. 2 defeat

drubbings. [Arabic dar-

drudge

-n. person who does dull, laborious, or menial work. -v. (-ging)

work

laboriously,

toil,

p drudgery

n.

[origin uncertain]

drug -n.

1 medicinal substance. 2 (esp. addictive) narcotic, hallucinogen, or stimulant, -v. (-gg-) 1 add a drug to (food or drink). 2 a give a drug to. b stupefy.

[French]

drugget /'drAgit/ n.

coarse woven fabric etc. [French] pharmacist, [related to

used for floor coverings

druggist

n.

drug]

drugstore shop and

Druid

n.

US combined

chemist's

cafe.

/'dru:id/ n. 1 priest of

an ancient

Celtic religion. 2 member of a modern Druidic order, esp. the Gorsedd.

Druidic /-'idik/ adj. [Latin from Celtic]

Druidism

n.

drum -n.

1 hollow esp. cylindrical percussion instrument covered at the end(s) with plastic etc. 2 (often in pi.) percussion section of an orchestra etc. 3 sound made by a drum. 4 thing resembling a drum, esp. a container, etc. 5 segment of a pillar. 6 eardrum, -v. (-mm-) 1 play a drum. 2 beat or tap continuously with the fingers etc. 3 (of a bird or insect) make a loud noise with the wings, d drum into drive (a lesson or facts) into (a person) by persistence, drum out dismiss with ignominy, drum up summon or get by vigorous effort (drum up support). [Low Ger-

man]

drumbeat n. stroke or sound of a stroke on a drum.

drum brake

n.

brake in which brake

shoes on a vehicle press against the brake drum on a wheel, drumhead n. part of a drum that is hit. drum kit n. set of drums in a band etc. drum machine n. electronic device that simulates percussion, drum major n. leader of a marching band. drum majorette n. female batontwirling member of a parading group. drummer n. player of drums. drumstick n. 1 stick for beating drums. 2 lower leg of a dressed fowl. drunk -adj. 1 lacking control from drinking alcohol. 2 (often foil, by with) overcome with joy, success, power, etc. -n. person who is drunk, esp. habitually, [past part, of drink] drunkard /'drAnkad/ n. person who is habitually drunk.

drunken

DSS

266

drudge

= drunk 1. 2 caused by or involving drunkenness (drunken brawl). 3 often drunk. adj. (usu. attrib.) 1

drunkenly

adv.

drunkenness

n.

drupe

/dru:p/ n. fleshy stone-fruit, e.g. the olive and plum. [Latin from Greek] dry /drai/ -adj. (drier; driest) 1 free

from moisture, esp.: a with moisture having evaporated, drained away, etc. (clothes are not dry yet), b (of eyes) free from tears, c (of a climate etc.) with insufficient rain; not rainy (dry spell), d (of a river, well, etc.) dried up. e using or

producing no moisture (dry shampoo; dry cough), f (of a shave) with an electric razor. 2 (of wine) not sweet (dry sherry). 3 a plain, unelaborated (dry facts), b uninteresting (dry book). 4 (of a sense of humour) subtle, ironic, understated. 5 prohibiting the sale of alcohol (a dry State). 6 (of bread) without butter etc. 7 (of provisions etc.) solid, not liquid. 8 impassive. 9 (of a cow) not yielding milk. 10 colloq. thirsty (feel dry), -v. (dries, dried) 1 make or become dry. 2 (usu. as dried adj.) preserve (food etc.) by removing moisture. 3 (often foil, by up) colloq. forget one's lines. -n. (pi. dries) 1 act of drying. 2 dry ginger ale. 3 dry place (come into the dry). dry out 1 make or become fully dry. 2 treat or be treated for alcoholism, dry up 1 make or become utterly dry. 2 dry dishes. 3 colloq. (esp. in imper.) cease talking. 4 become unproductive. 5 (of supplies) run out. dryness n. [Old English] dryad /'draiaed/ n. wood nymph. [Greek

drus tree]

dry battery

n. (also

dry

cell) electric

battery or cell in which electrolyte is absorbed in a solid. dry-clean v. clean (clothes etc.) with solvents without water. dry-cleaner n.

dry dock

n. dock that can be pumped dry for building or repairing ships. dryer var. of drier 2 dry-fly attrib. adj. (of fishing) with a .

floating artificial fly. solid carbon dioxide used as a refrigerant. dry land n. land as distinct from sea etc. dryly var. of drily. dry measure n. measure for dry goods, dry rot n. decayed state of unventilated

dry ice n.

wood; fungi causing

i

this,

dry run n. colloq. rehearsal, dry-shod adj. & adv. without wetting one's shoes.

drystone

attrib. adj. (of a wall etc.) built without mortar.

DSC abbr.

Distinguished Service Cross.

D.Sc. abbr. Doctor of Science.

DSM

abbr.

Distinguished

Service

Medal.

DSO abbr. Distinguished Service Order. DSS ity

abbr. Department of Social Secur-

(formerly DHSS).

. (-pp-) 1 a grasp tightly, b take a firm hold, esp. by friction. 2 compel the attention of. -n. 1 a firm hold; tight grasp, b manner of grasping or holding. 2 power of holding attention. 3 a intellectual mastery, b effective control of one's behaviour etc. (lose one's grip). 4 a part of a machine that grips, b part by which a weapon etc. is held. 5 = hair-v. (-nn-)

1

grip. 6 travelling bag.

to grips

come

(or get)

with approach purposefully;

begin to deal with. [Old English] -v. (-ping) 1 colloq. complain. 2 affect with gastric pain. -n. 1 (usu. in pi.) colic. 2 colloq. complaint. 3 grip, clutch. [Old English] Gripe Water n. propr. preparation to

gripe

relieve colic in infants.

grisly

/'gnzli/ adj. (-ier, -iest)

causing

grisliness n. horror, disgust, or fear. [Old English] grist n. corn to grind, n grist to the (or a person's) mill source of profit or advantage. [Old English: related to grind]

gristle

adj. [Old English]

grit -rc.

1 particles of stone or sand, esp. as irritating or hindering. 2 coarse sandstone. 3 colloq. pluck, endurance, -v. (-tt-) 1 spread grit on (icy roads etc.). 2 clench (the teeth). 3 make a grating

gritter n. [Old English] grits n.pl. 1 coarsely oatmeal. 2 oats that but not ground. [Old

gritty adj.

sound.

(-ier,

-iest).

grizzle

/'griz(a)l/

v.

ground grain, esp. have been husked English]

(-ling) colloq.

1

(esp.

of a child) cry fretfully. 2 complain

grizzly

whiningly.

adj.

[origin

unknown] grizzled

/'gnz(a)ld/ adj. 1 (of hair) grey or streaked with grey. 2 having grizzled hair, [grizzle grey from French grisel] grizzly /'gnzli/ -adj. (-ier, -iest) grey, grey-haired. -n. (pi. -ies) (in full grizzly

bear) large variety of brown bear, found in N. America. groan -v. 1 a make a deep sound expressing pain, grief, or disapproval, b utter with groans. 2 (usu. foil, by under, beneath, with) be loaded or oppressed.

made

-n. sound English]

groat

n. hist,

groaning.

in

[Old

worth four old or Dutch: related

silver coin

German

pence. [Low to

great]

groats n.pl hulled or crushed

grain,

esp. oats. [Old English] grocer n. dealer in food

and household provisions. [Anglo-French grosser from Latin grossus gross]

grocery

grocer's trade or shop. 2 (in pi.) goods, esp. food, sold by a grocer. grog n. drink of spirit (orig. rum) and water, [origin uncertain]

groggy

ground

386

gristle ,"gns(9)l/ n. tough flexible animal tissue; cartilage. gristly /-sli/

n. (pi. -ies) 1

adj.

(-ier,

-iest)

incapable or

groggily adv. grogginess

unsteady. n.

groin -n.

depression between the belly and the thigh. 2 Archit. a edge formed by intersecting vaults, b arch supporting a vault, -v. Archit. build with groins, [origin uncertain] grofrr US var. of groyne. 1

grommet

1

/'grumit/

n.

(also

grummet

/'grAmit/) 1 metal, plastic, or rubber eyelet placed in a hole to protect or insulate a rope or cable etc. passed through it. 2 tube passed through the

eardrum

to

make

a communication

with the middle ear. [French] groom —n. 1 person employed to take care of horses. 2 = bridegroom. 3 Mil. any of certain officers of the Royal Household, -v. 1 a curry or tend (a horse), b give a neat appearance to (a

person

an ape

clean and the fur of (its fellow). 3 prepare or train (a person) for a particular purpose or job. [origin unknown] groove -n. 1 channel or elongated hollow, esp. one made to guide motion or receive a corresponding ridge. 2 spiral track cut in a gramophone record, -v. (-ving) 1 make a groove or grooves in. 2 slang enjoy oneself. [Dutch] groovy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 slang excellent. 2 of or like a groove. grope -v. (-ping) 1 (usu. foil, by for) feel about or search blindly. 2 (foil, by for, after) search mentally. 3 feel (one's way) towards something. 4 slang fondle clumsily for sexual pleasure, -n. act of groping. [Old English] grosgrain /'graugrem/ n. corded fabric of silk etc. [French, = coarse grain: related to gross, grain] gros point /grao "pwse/ n. cross-stitch embroidery on canvas. [French: related to gross, point] gross /graus/ -adj. 1 overfed, bloated. 2 (of a person, manners, or morals) coarse, unrefined, or indecent. 3 flagrant (gross negligence). 4 total; not net (gross tonnage). 5 (of the senses etc.) dull. -v. produce as gross profit, -n. (pi. same) amount equal to twelve dozen, z grossly adv. grossness n. [Latin grossus] etc.).

2 (of

etc.)

comb

gross domestic product value of goods produced and

total

n.

services

provided in a country in one year.

gross national product

n.

gross

domestic product plus the total of net income from abroad. grotesque /grau'tesk/-ad/. 1 comically or repulsively distorted. 2 incongruous, absurd, -n. 1 decorative form interweaving human and animal features. 2 comically distorted figure or design, z

grotesquely adv. grotesqueness [Italian: related to

grotto /'gmtau/ esque

n.

grotto] or

picturcave. 2 artificial ornamental cave.

grotta

[Italian

n. (pi. -es

from

-s) 1

Greek

krupte

crypt]

grotty

/'gmti/ adj. (-ier, -iest) slang unpleasant, dirty, shabby, unattractive, [shortening of grotesque] grouch colloq. -v. grumble, -n. 1 discontented person. 2 fit of grumbling or the sulks, z grouchy adj. (-ier, -iest). [related to

ground

1

grudge]

-n. 1 a surface of the earth, esp. as contrasted with the air around it. b part of this specified in some way (low ground). 2 a position, area, or distance on the earth's surface, b extent of a subject dealt with (the book covers a lot

ground

:

predominant colour. 8 (in pi.) solid particles, esp. of coffee, forming a residue. 9 USElectr. - earth n. 4. 10 bottom of the

room etc. 12 (in full ground bass) Mus. short theme in the sea. 11 floor of a

bass constantly repeated with the upper parts of the music varied. 13 (attrib.) (of animals) living on or in the ground; (of plants) dwarfish or trailing, -u. 1 refuse authority for (a pilot or an aircraft) to fly. 2 a run (a ship) aground; strand, b (of a ship) run aground. 3 (foil, by in) instruct thoroughly (in a subject). 4 (often as grounded adj.) (foil, by on) base (a principle, conclusion, etc.) on. 5

US Electr. = earth

v.

break new

(or

fresh) ground treat a subject previously not dealt with, get off the ground colloq. make a successful start,

give (or lose) ground retreat, decline,

go to ground

1

(of a fox etc.) enter its

become

inac-

cessible for a prolonged period, one's ground not retreat, on

hold the

earth

a person)

etc. 2 (of

grounds of because

of.

[Old English]

ground 2 past and past part, of grind. ground control n. personnel directing the landing etc. of aircraft etc.

ground cover

n. low-growing plants covering the surface of the earth. ground elder n. garden weed spreading by means of underground stems. ground floor n. floor of a building at

ground

level.

ground

frost n. frost on the surface of the ground or in the top layer of soil. ground glass n. 1 glass made nontransparent by grinding etc. 2 glass ground to a powder. grounding n. basic training or instruction. groundless adj. without motive or foundation.

groundnut

n.

ground-plan

= peanut

1, 2.

plan of a building at ground level. 2 general outline of a scheme. ground-rent n. rent for land leased for n. 1

building.

groundsel

growing pains

387

of ground). 3 (often in pi.) reason, justification. 4 area of a special kind or use (often in comb. cricket-ground; fishinggrounds). 5 (in pi.) enclosed land attached to a house etc. 6 area or basis for agreement etc. (common ground). 7 (in painting etc.) the surface giving the

/'grauns(8)l/ n. wild plant with small yellow flowers, used as a food for cage-birds etc. [Old English] groundsheet n. waterproof sheet for spreading on the ground. groundsman n. person who maintains a sports ground.

ground speed

n.

aircraft's

speed

rel-

ative to the ground.

ground swell n. heavy sea caused by a distant or past storm or an earthquake. water found in soil or in pores, crevices, etc., in rock. groundwork n. preliminary or basic

groundwater n. work.

group

/gru:p/ -n. 1 number of persons or things located close together, or considered or classed together. 2 number of people working together etc. 3 number

of commercial companies under comownership. 4 ensemble playing popular music. 5 division of an air force etc. -v. 1 form or be formed into a group. 2 (often foil, by with) place in a group or groups. [Italian gruppo] group captain n. RAF officer next below air commodore. groupie n. slang ardent follower of touring pop groups, esp. a young woman seeking sexual relations with

mon

their

members.

group therapy

n. therapy in which people are brought together to assist

one another psychologically. n. (pi same) 1 game-bird with a plump body and feathered legs. 2 its

grouse

1

flesh as food, [origin uncertain] colloq. -v. (-sing) grumble or complain, -n. complaint, [origin

grouse 2

unknown] grout —n. thin or

fill

grove

fluid mortar, -v. provide with grout, [origin uncertain] n. small wood or group of trees.

[Old English]

grovel ,/'grDv(8)l/

v. (-11-;

US-1-)

1

behave

obsequiously. 2 lie prone in abject humility, z grovelling adj. [obsolete grovelling (adv.) from Old Norse a

grufu face down]

grow

/grau/

v.

(past

grew; past part.

grown) 1 increase in size, height, quantdegree, etc. 2 develop or exist as a living plant or natural product. 3 a produce (plants etc.) by cultivation, b allow (a beard etc.) to develop. 4 become gradually (grow rich). 5 (foil, by on) become gradually more favoured by. 6 (in passive; foil, by over etc.) be covered grow out of 1 become with a growth, too large to wear. 2 become too mature to retain (a habit etc.). 3 develop from, grow up 1 advance to maturity. 2 (of a custom) arise. [Old English] ity,

grower

n. 1 (often in comb.) person growing produce (fruit-grower). 2 plant that grows in a specified way (fast

grower).

growing pains n.pl.

1 early difficulties development of a project etc. 2 neuralgic pain in children's legs due to

in the

fatigue etc.

growl -v. foil, by an make a low guttural sound, usu. of anger, b 2 rumble. 3 (often foil, by out) utter with a growl, -n. 1 growling sound. 2 angry murmur. 3 rumble, [probably imitative] grown past part, of grow.

a (often

1

murmur angrily.

grown-up

-adj. adult, -n. adult per-

son.

grauB n. 1 act or process of growing. 2 increase in size or value. 3 something that has grown or is growing. 4 Med. morbid formation. growth industry n. industry that is developing rapidly. groyne n. US groin) timber, stone, or concrete wall built at right angles to the i

coast to check beach erosion, [dial. groin snout, from French] -it 1 larva of an insect. 2 colloq.

grub

food. -i'. l

illustration

r

:

illustrious

ri.\strias

adj.

dis-

tinguished, renowned. ILatin illustris: related to illustrateI ill will 1 bad feeling; animosity. im- prefix assim. form of in- in-- before b, m, or p. 1

,

I'm una

image

oofilr.

I

am.

imid3 -n.

1

representation of

an object, e.g. a statue. 2 reputation or persona of a person, company, etc. 3 appearance as seen in a mirror or through a lens. 4 mental picture or idea. 5 simile or metaphor, -t (ging) 1 make an image of; portray. 2 reflect, mirror. 3 be the describe or imagine vividly. image of be or look exactly like. [Latin imago imagin-] '

imagery

n.

figurative illustration,

1

esp. in literature. 2 images; statuary, carving. 3 mental images collectively.

imaginary I'msedsman

adj.

1

exist-

ing only in the imagination. 2 Math. being the square root of a negative quantity. [Latin: related to image] imagination i,ma?d3i'neij\a)n/ n. 1 mental faculty of forming images or concepts of objects or situations not existent or not directly experienced. 2 mental creativity or resourcefulness. imaginative imaedsmativ adj. having or showing imagination, imaginatively adv. imaginativeness rt imagine ma?d3in v. (-ning) 1 a form a mental image or concept of. b picture to oneself. 2 think of as probable (can't imagine he'd be so stupid). 3 guess {can't imagine what he is doing). 4 i

suppose

(/

imagine you

imaginable

adj. [Latin

imago imeigau an

need help). imaginor)

'11

n. {pi. -s

or imagines

fully developed stage of insect, e.g. a butterfly. [Latin; see

rma?d3i,ni:z

)

image]

imam mo:m i

mosque.

n. 1

2 title leaders. [Arabic]

leader of prayers in a of various Muslim

imbalance

imbaelans n. 1 lack of balance. 2 disproportion. imbi,si:l -n. 1 colloq. stupid person. 2 person with a mental age of about five. -adj. mentally weak; stupid,

imbecile

idiotic

cility Latin]

imbecilic siliu

immense

438

silik

n. (pi. -ies).

adj.

imbe-

[French from

imbed var of imbed. imbibe tm'baib v (-Ding) 1 drink (esp. alcohol) 2 a assimilate (ideas etc.). b

absorb (moisture etc.).

etc.).

inhale (air

3

[Latin bibo drink] im'braulieu/

imbroglio

n.

{pi.

-s)

1

confused or complicated situation. 2 confused heap. [Italian: related to in- 2 ,

broil]

imbue

bues.

-bued. by with) 1 inspire or permeate (with feelings, opinions, or im'bju: -buing) (often foil,

qualities).

v.

(

saturate.

2

dye.

3

[Latin

imbuo]

IMF

Monetary

International

abbr.

Fund.

imitate example

v. (-ting) 1 follow the copy. 2 mimic. 3 make a imitable adj. copy of. 4 be like. imitator n. [Latin imitor -tat-} imitation ,imi'teij\a)n n. 1 imitating or being imitated. 2 copy. 3 counterfeit (often attrib.: imitation leather). imitative imitativ adj. 1 (often foil, by of) imitating; following a model or example. 2 (of a word) reproducing a natural sound (e.g. fizz), or otherwise suggestive (e.g. blob).

imi.teit

of;

immaculate fectly clean

I'maekjulat-

and

adj.

tidy. 2 perfect

1

per-

(immacu-

late timing). 3 innocent, faultless,

adv. immaculateness related to in- macula spot] Immaculate Conception n. RC Ch. doctrine that the Virgin Mary was without original sin from conception.

immaculately

1

n. [Latin:

,

immanent by

in)

'imenant adj. 1 (often foil, naturally present, inherent. 2 (of

immanence

God) omnipresent. [Latin: related to in-

immaterial

2 ,

n.

maneo remain]

.ima'tiarial/ adj.

1

unim-

portant; irrelevant. 2 not material; incorporeal, immateriality aeliti/ n. immature .ima'tjo^r) adj. 1 not mature. 2 undeveloped, esp. emotionally. 3 immaturely adv. immaturunripe, ity n. immeasurable i'me3arab(a)l/ adj. not -

immeasur-

measurable; immense.

ably adv.

immediate

I'mirdiat

adj.

1

occurring

or done at once (immediate reply). 2 nearest, next; direct (immediate vicinity: immediate future: immediate cause of death). 3 most pressing or urgent (our immediacy n. immediate concern). immediateness n. [Latin: related to IN-

1 ,

MEDIATE]

immediately -adv.

1

without pause or

delay. 2 without intermediary, -conj. as

soon

as.

immemorial

,imi'mo:nal adj. ancient

beyond memory or record (from time immemorial).

immense

t'mens

adj.

1

large; huge. 2 considerable

extremely

(immense

immensely difference),

mensity

im-

mens-

metior

[Latin

n.

n.

measure]

immensely

adv.

very

colloq.

1

much

{enjoyed myself immensely). 2 to an

immense degree (immensely

immerse

rich).

v. (-sing) 1 a (often plunge, b submerge (a person). 2 (often refl. or in passive; often foil, by in) absorb or involve deeply. 3 (often foil, by in) bury, embed. [Latin mergo mers- dip]

foil,

by

/i'm3:s/

in) dip,

immersion

/i'm3:JXa)n/ n.

immersing

1

or being immersed. 2 baptism by total bodily immersion. 3 mental absorption. immersion heater n. electric device immersed in a liquid to heat it, esp. in a hot-water tank. immigrant /'imigrant/ -n. person who immigrates, —adj. 1 immigrating. 2 of

immigrants.

immigrate

/'imi.greit/

country and

come into a immigration

v.

settle.

2

migrate] imminent /'immant/ adj. impending; about to happen (war is imminent). /-'greij(a)n/ n. [related to in-

imminence [Latin

imminently

n.

immiscible /i'misib(a)l/ adj. by with) not able /-

to

adv.

(often

be mixed.

foil,

immis-

biliti/ n.

immobile /I'maubail/ adj. move

2 unable to

mobility

/-

1 not moving. imor be moved.

biliti/ n.

immobilize

/I'maubi.laiz/

(also -ise)

v.

(-zing or -sing) 1 make or keep immobile. 2 keep (a limb or patient) still immobilizafor healing purposes.

tion

/-'zeiJXa)n/ n.

immoderate

immoder-

lacking moderation. ately adv.

/I'modist/ adj. 1 lacking modesty; conceited. 2 shameless, in-

esty

immodestly

adv.

immod-

n.

as

offer

/'ima.leit/

v.

n.

(-ting) kill or

immolation

a sacrifice.

/-'leiJXa)n/

= sprinkle with

[Latin,

meal]

immoral /i'mDr(a)l/ adj.

1 not conformaccepted morality; morally wrong. 2 sexually promiscuous or devi-

ing

ant. -ies).

to

immorality /.ima'raeliti/ immorally adv.

immortal /i*mo:t(a)l/ -adj.

n. (pi.

a living for ever; not mortal, b divine. 2 unfading. 3 famous for all time. -n. 1 a immortal 1

being, b (in pi.) gods of antiquity. 2 person, esp. an author, remembered immortality long after death, i

immortalize v. (also or -sing), immortally adv.

/.imai'taeliti/

-ise) (-zing

n.

immune

against, from, to) protected against infection through inoculation etc. b relating to immunity (immune system). 2 (foil, by from, to) exempt from or proof against a charge, duty, criticism, etc. [Latin immunis exempt] , immunity n. (pi. -ies) 1 ability of an organism to resist infection by means of antibodies and white blood cells. 2 (often foil, by from) freedom or exemption.

immunize

/'imju:,naiz/

(-zing or -sing) by inoculation.

(also -ise)

v.

make immune, usu. immunization

/-'zeij(a)n/ n.

immunodeficiency 'fijansi/ n.

/ imju:,naudi reduction in normal immune (

defences.

immunoglobulin

/,imju:nau 'globjulm/ n. any of a group of related proteins functioning as antibodies. immunology /,imju: nDlad3i/ n. the immunological study of immunity. ,

/-na'lDd3ik(a)l/ adj.

immunotherapy

immunologist

n.

/,imju:nau 9erapi/

n.

prevention or treatment of disease with substances that stimulate the immune response. immure /i'mjua(r)/ v. (-ring) 1 imprison. 2 refl. shut oneself away. [Latin

mums wall] geable,

n

immutability

immutably

imp n.

immodest

immolate

/i'mu:vab(a)l/ adj. (also immoveable) 1 not able to be moved. 2 steadfast, unyielding. 3 emotionless. 4 not subject to change (immovable law). 5 motionless. 6 (of property) consisting immovability of land, houses, etc. /- biliti/ n. immovably adv. /i'mju:n/ adj. 1 a (often foil, by

immutable /i'mju:tab(a)l/ adj.

/I'modarat/ adj. excess-

ive;

decent,

immovable

,

immineo be impending]

cibility

impalpable

439

immenseness

i

1

unchan-

/-'biliti/

n.

adv.

mischievous

child. 2 small devil

or sprite. [Old English, =

young shoot] sudden contact between two solid

impact -n. forcible

/'impaekt/

1

effect of

bodies etc.; collision. 2 strong effect or impression, -v. /im'paekt/ 1 press or fix firmly. 2 (as impacted adj.) (of a tooth) wedged between another tooth and the jaw. 3 (often foil, by on) have an impact

impaction /im'paekJXa)n/ n. on. [Latin: related to impinge] impair /im'pea(r)/ v. damage, weaken. impairment n. [Latin, = make worse, from pejor] impala /im'pa:la/ n. (pi. same or -s) small African antelope. [Zulu] impale /im'peil/ v. (-ling) transfix or pierce with a sharp stake etc. n impalement n. [Latin palus pale 2 ] impalpable /im'paelpab(a)l/ adj. 1 not easily grasped by the mind; intangible. 2 imperceptible to the touch. 3 (of powder)

impanel very

impalpability

fine.

impalpably

/-'biliti/ n.

adv.

impanel var. of empanel. impart im'pa:t v. (often communicate (news

foil,

by

to) 1

2 give a share of (a thing). (Latin: related to part] impartial ma pa: J(a)l/ adj. treating all alike;

ality

etc.).

impartifair. impartially adv.

unprejudiced, JYaeliti/ n.

impassable

im'pa:s8b(a)l/

n.

not

adj.

impassability n. impass-

able to be traversed, biliti

impassableness

ably adv.

impasse

impermanent

-4-40

'aempaes,

'im-/

(French: related to pass

n.

deadlock.

1

]

impassible

im'paesib(8)l/ adj. 1 impassive. 2 incapable of feeling, emotion, or impassibility /-biliti/ n. injury.

impassibly adv. [Latin potior passsuffer]

impassioned

/im'paej(a)nd/ adj. filled with passion; ardent. [Italian impassionato: related to passion] impassive im'paesiv/ adj. incapable of or not showing emotion; serene. impassively adv. impassiveness n.

impassivity

/-'siviti/ n.

impasto

im'paestau/ n. Art technique of laying on paint thickly. [Italian] impatiens /im'peiji.enz/ n. any of several plants including the busy Lizzie. [Latin: related to impatient] impatient /im'peij\8)nt/ adj. 1 lacking, or showing a lack of, patience or tolerance. 2 restlessly eager. 3 (foil, by of) intolerant of. impatience n. impatiently adv.

impeach

a stammer. [Latin: related to impede]

e.g.

Usage See note at impedance. impedimenta /im.pedi'menta/ n.pl. encumbrances. 2 baggage, army.

esp. of

impel

/im'pel/ v. (-11-) 1 drive, force, or urge. 2 propel. [Latin pello drive] impend /im'pend/ v. (often foil, by over) 1 (of a danger, event, etc.) be threatenimpending ing or imminent. 2 hang. adj. [Latin pendeo hang] impenetrable /im'penitr8b(a)l/ adj. 1 not able to be penetrated. 2 inscrutable. 3 inaccessible to ideas, influences, etc.

impenetrability /- biliti/ n. impenetrableness n. impenetrably adv.

impenitent

/im'penit(8)nt/

obligatory. 2 commanding, peremptory. 3 Gram, (of a mood) expressing a com-

mand

(e.g. come here!), -n. 1 Gram. imperative mood. 2 command. 3 essential or urgent thing. [Latin impero

command] imperceptible

/,impa'septib(8)l/ adj.

n.

imperceptibly adv.

imperfect

/im'p3:fikt/ -adj. 1 not perincomplete. 2 Gram, (of a tense) denoting action in progress but not completed (e.g. they were singing), imperfectly -n. imperfect tense. adv. fect; faulty,

imperfection /,impa'fekj;(8)n/ n. imperial /im'pianal/ adj.

impeachment

adj.

n.

[French empecher from Latin pedica

impeccable -'biliti

in-

/im'pekab(9)l/ adj.

1

n.

impeccably

adv. [related to

Latin pecco sin]

,

impecunious ing

fault-

impeccability

exemplary.

less,

little

osity

impecuniimpecuniousness n.

or no money.

[related to pecuniary]

impedance /im'pi:d(a)ns/ n. ive resistance of to

an

1

state

of being imperfect. 2 fault, blemish. 1 of or characteristic of an empire or similar sovereign State. 2 a of an emperor, b majestic, august; authoritative. 3 (of non-metric weights and measures) statutory in the UK, esp. formerly (imperial gallon), z imperially adv. [Latin imperium do-

minion]

/,impi'kju:ni3s/ adj. hav-

/-'Dsiti/ n.

1

not perceptible. 2 very slight, gradual, or subtle. imperceptibility /-'biliti/

conduct. 3 call in question, disparage.

impeachable

not

adj.

sorry, unrepentant. impenitence n. imperative /im'perativ/-ad/. 1 urgent;

/im'pi:tJ7 v. 1 charge with a crime against the State, esp. treason. 2 US charge (a public official) with mis-

fetter]

1

an

total effectelectric circuit etc.

an alternating current, [from impede]

Usage Impedance

is sometimes confused with impediment, which means 'a hindrance' or 'a speech defect'.

impede

imperialism

n. 1 imperial rule or system. 2 usu. derog. policy of dominating other nations by acquiring dependencies etc. z imperialist n. & adj.

imperialistic

imperil

/-'listik/ adj.

/im'penl/

v.

(-11-;

US

-1-)

endanger.

imperious ing,

/im'pianas/ adj. overbearimperiously adv.

domineering.

imperiousness

n.

im'pj:d/ v. (-ding) obstruct; hinder. [Latin impedio from pes ped-

imperishable

foot]

impermanent /im'p3:m9nant/ adj.

not

impermanence

n.

impediment

im'pedimant/ n. 1 hindrance or obstruction. 2 speech defect,

/im'perijab(a)l/ adj. not

able to perish, indestructible,

permanent.

impermanency

n.

impermeable impermeable /im'p3:miab(a)l/ adj.

not permeable, not allowing fluids to pass impermeability /- biliti/ n. through.

impermissible

/,impa'misib(a)l/ adj.

not allowable.

impersonal /im'p3:san(a)l/ adj. 1 without personal reference; objective, impartial. 2 without human attributes; cold, unfeeling. 3 Gram, a (of a verb) used esp. with it as a subject (e.g. it is snowing), b (of a pronoun) = indef-

impersonality impersonally adv. inite.

n.

/-'naeliti/

(-ting) 1 pretend to be (another person), esp. as entertainment or fraud. 2 act (a characv.

impersonation /-'neij*(a)n/ n. impersonator n. [from in- 2 Latin perter).

,

sona]

impertinent /im'p3:tmant/ adj. ent, disrespectful. 2 esp.

impertinence

1

insol-

Law irrelevant. impertinently

n.

adv. /

(

impa't3:bab(a)l/ adj.

imperturbabimperturbably adv.

not excitable; calm. ility

/-'biliti/ n.

impervious

/im'p3:vias/ adj. (usu.

foil,

impermeable. 2 not responsive

by

to) 1

(to

argument

etc.).

impetigo

/.impi'taigau/ n. contagious infection forming pimples and sores. [Latin impeto assail] impetuous /im'petjuas/ adj. 1 acting or done rashly or with sudden energy. 2 moving forcefully or rapidly.

skin

impetuosity

/-'ositi/ n.

impetuousness

adv.

impetuously

n. [Latin:

related

to impetus]

impetus /'impitas/ n.

1 force with which a body moves. 2 driving force or impulse. [Latin impeto assail] impiety /im'paiati/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 lack of piety or reverence. 2 act etc. showing

this.

impinge

/im'pmd3/ v. (-ging) (usu. foil, by on, upon) 1 make an impact or effect.

impingement

2 encroach.

pango pact-

n.

[Latin

fix]

impious

/'impias/ adj. 1 not pious. 2 wicked, profane. impish adj. of or like an imp; mischiev-

impishly adv. impishness

ous.

n.

implacable /im'plaekab(a)l/ adj. unable to /-

be

appeased.

biliti/ n.

implacably

implant -v.

implausible plausible.

implacability adv.

/im'plaint/ 1 (often foil, by in) insert or fix. 2 (often foil, by in) instil (an idea etc.) in a person's mind. 3 plant. 4 a insert (tissue etc.) in a living body, b (in passive) (of a fertilized ovum) become attached to the wall of the womb. -n. /'impla:nt/ thing implanted, esp. a piece of tissue. implantation /-'teij(a)n/ n. [Latin: related to plant]

/im'pb:zib(a)l/

implausibility

adj.

not

/-'biliti/ n.

implausibly adv.

implement

-n. /'implimant/ tool, instrument, utensil, -v. /'implement/ plan, contract, etc.) into put (a decision, effect, n implementation /.implimen 'teij(a)n/ n. [Latin impleo fulfil]

implicate /'impli.keit/ v. (-ting) 1 foil, by in) show (a person)

(often

to be involved (in a crime etc.). 2 imply. [Latin

plico fold]

implication

impersonate /im'p3:sa,neit/

imperturbable

impose

441

/,impli'keij(a)n/ n.

1

thing

implied. 2 implicating or implying. implicit /im'phsit/ adj. 1 implied though not plainly expressed. 2 absolute, unquestioning (implicit belief). implicitly adv. [Latin: related to implicate] implode /im'plaud/ v. (-ding) (cause to)

burst

implosion

inwards.

/im'plau3(a)n/ n. [from in- 2 cf. explode] implore /im'plo:(r)/ v. (-ring) 1 (often foil, by to + infin.) entreat (a person). 2 beg earnestly for. [Latin ploro weep] imply /im'plai/ v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foil, by that) strongly suggest or insinuate without directly stating (what are you implying?). 2 signify, esp. as a consequence (silence implies guilt). [Latin: related to implicate] impolite /.impa lait/ adj. (impolitest) ill-mannered, uncivil, rude. impolitely adv. impoliteness n. impolitic /im'politik/ adj. inexpedient, unwise. impoliticly adv. imponderable /im'pDndarab(a)l/ -adj. 1 not able to be estimated. 2 very light; weightless, -n. (usu. in pi.) imponderable thing. imponderability /-'biliti/ n. imponderably adv. import — y. /im'po:t, 'im-/1 bring in (esp. foreign goods or services) to a country. 2 imply, indicate, signify, -n. /'impa:t/ 1 (esp. in pi.) imported article or service. 2 importing. 3 what is implied; meanimportation ing. 4 importance. :

importer /im n. /,impD:'teiJ(a)n/ po:ta(r)/ n. [Latin importo carry in] /im'pa:t(a)nt/ adj. 1 (often

important

by to) of great effect or consequence; momentous. 2 (of a person) having high rank or authority. 3 pomimportance n. importantly pous. adv. [Latin importo carry in, signify] foil,

importunate

/im'pD:tjunat/ adj.

mak-

ing persistent or pressing requests. importunity /.impa^tjumiti/ n. [Latin importunus inconvenient] importune /,impa'tju:n/ v. (-ning) 1 pester (a person) with requests. 2 solicit as a prostitute. impose /im'pauz/ v. (-sing) 1 (often foil, by on, upon) lay (a tax, duty, charge, or

imposing

impono]

imposing

adj. impressive, formidable,

esp. in appearance. imposition ,impa'zij(a)n/ n.

impossible

impos-

1

ing or being imposed. 2 unfair or burden. 3 tax, duty.

demand

1 not posnot easy, convenient, or believable. 3 colloq. (esp. of a person) impossiboutrageous, intolerable. ility bihti n. (pi -ies). impossibly adv. impost impaust/ n. tax, duty, or tribute. [Latin impono impost- impose] impost 2 /'impaust/ n. upper course of a pillar, carrying an arch.

im'pDsib(a)l/ac(/.

1

/im'posta(r)/

n.

im-

(also

poster) 1 person who assumes a false character or pretends to be someone else. 2 swindler. imposture /im'pDstJa(r)/ n. fraudulent deception.

impotent

"imp9t(a)nt/ adj. 1 powerless, 2 (of a male) unable achieve an erection or orgasm,

ineffective. to

impotence

n.

/im'paund/ v. 1 confiscate. 2 take legal possession of. 3 shut up (animals) in a pound. impoverish /im'pDvanJ/ v. make poor, impoverishment n. [French: related to POVERTY]

impracticable

/im'praektikab(a)l/ adj.

impracticability impracticably adv. impractical /im'praektik(a)l/ adj. 1 not not practicable. /-'bihti/ n.

practical. 2 esp.

impracticality

US /-

not practicable,

/,impn'keiJXa)n/ n. foroath, curse. [Latin precor pray] imprecise /.impri'sais/ adj. not precise. imprecisely adv. impreciseness n.

mal

/-'si3(a)n/ n.

impregnable

/im'pregnab(a)l/

adj.

strong enough to be secure against

at-

impregnability

n.

/-bihti/

impregnably

adv. [French: related to in-. Latin prehendo take] impregnate /'impreg.neit/ v. (-ting) 1 (often foil, by with) fill or saturate. 2 (often foil, by with) imbue (with feelings etc.). 3 a make (a female) pregnant, b fertilize (an ovum). impregnation /-'neij(9)n/ n.

[Latin: related to preg-

nant)

impresario

favourably (was most foil, by on) emphas(must impress on you the need to be prompt). 3 a (often foil, by on) imprint or make (a mark), b mark (a thing) with a stamp, seal, etc. -n. /'impres/ 1 mark made by a seal, stamp, affect (a person)

impressed). 2 (often

ize (an idea etc.)

mark or quality, /im'presib(a)l/ adj. [French: related to press 1 ] impression /im'prej(a)n/ n. 1 effect (esp. on the mind or feelings). 2 notion or belief (esp. vague or mistaken). 3 etc. 2 characteristic

imitation of a person or sound, esp. as entertainment. 4 a impressing, b mark impressed. 5 unaltered reprint from standing type or plates. 6 number of copies of a book etc. issued at one time. 7 print taken from a wood or copper engraving.

impressionable

easily

adj.

impressionability

enced.

impressionably

/,impri'sa:nau/

n.

(pi.

-s)

organizer of public entertainment, esp. a theatrical etc.

manager.

influ-

/-'biliti/ n.

adv.

impressionism /im'preja,niz(9)m/ n. 1 style or movement in art concerned with conveying the effect of natural on objects. 2 style of music or writing seeking to convey esp. fleeting light

ist n.

impressionistic

impression-

impressive

nistik/ adj.

/im'presiv/ adj. arousing

approval,

respect,

/-

or admiration.

impressively adv. impressiveness

imprimatur

/,impri'ma:ta(r)/ n.

1

n.

RC

Ch. licence to print (a religious book etc.). 2 official approval. [Latin, = let it be printed]

Usage Imprimatur is sometimes confused with sense 2 of imprint.

imprint

kaeliti/ n.

imprecation

tack,

-v. /im'pres/ 1 (often foil, by with) a affect or influence deeply, b

feelings or experience.

impound

imprecision

impress

impressible

sible. 2 eolloq.

impostor

impromptu

4 12

obligation) on. 2 enforce compliance with. 3 also re/7, (foil, by on, upon, or absol.) take advantage of (will not impose on you any longer). 4 (often foil, by on. upon) inflict (a thing) on. [Latin

[Italian]

-v. /im'prmt/ 1 (often foil, by on) impress firmly, esp. on the mind. 2 a (often foil, by on) make a stamp or impression of (a figure etc.) on a thing, b make an impression on (a thing) with a stamp etc. -n. /'imprint/ 1 impression, stamp. 2 printer's or publisher's name etc. printed in a book.

Usage See note at imprimatur. imprison /im'pnz(a)n/ v. 1 put in imprisonment n. prison. 2 confine. improbable /im'prDbab(a)l/ adj. 1 unz improbimprobably adv.

likely. 2 difficult to believe,

ability

/-

bihti/ n.

improbity

/im'praubiti/ n.

(pi.

-ies) 1

wickedness; dishonesty. 2 wicked or dishonest act. /im'piDmptju:/ -adj. & adv. extempore, unrehearsed, -n. (pi -s) 1 extempore performance or speech.

impromptu

improper

which the numerator

is greater than or equal to the denominator.

impropriety

/.impra'praiati/

n.

(pi.

-ies) 1 lack of propriety; indecency. 2 instance of this. 3 incorrectness. improve /im'pru:v/ v. (-ving) 1 a make or become better, b (foil, by on, upon) produce something better than. 2 (as improving adj.) giving moral benefit

(improving adj.

improvable

literature).

improvement

[Anglo-French

n.

emprower from French prou

profit]

improvident

/im'prDvid(a)nt/ adj. 1 lacking foresight. 2 profligate; wasteful. improvidence n. 3 incautious. improvidently adv. improvise /'impra.vaiz/ v. (-sing) (also absol.) 1 compose or perform (music, verse, etc.) extempore. 2 provide or

construct from materials not intended improvisation for the purpose. /-'zeij(a)n/

improvisational improvisatory

n.

adj.

/-'zeij8n(8)l/

adj.

/-'zeitan/

improvisus

[Latin

unforeseen]

imprudent /im'pru:d(a)nt/ adj. imprudence

indiscreet. dently adv.

impudent

/'impjud(a)nt/

impudence

tinent.

adv. [Latin

n.

adj.

unwise,

impruimper-

impudently

n.

pudeo be ashamed]

impugn /im'pjum/ v. challenge or call in impugnment

question.

pugno

n.

[Latin

fight]

impulse

/'impAls/ n.

an impulse

1

sudden urge (felt tendency to

to laugh). 2

follow such urges (man of impulse). 3 impelling; a push. 4 impetus. 5 Physics a large temporary force producing a change of momentum (e.g. a hammerblow), b change of momentum so produced. 6 wave of excitation in a nerve. 1 [Latin: related to pulse ]

impulse buying

n.

purchasing goods

on impulse.

impulsion 2

,

,

/im pAlJ (a)n/

n. 1

impelling.

mental impulse. 3 impetus,

impulsive

/im'pAlsiv/ adj.

1

j

impure /im'pjua(r)/ad/.

1

adulterated. 2

dirty. 3 unchaste.

impurity

n. (pi. -ies) 1

being impure. 2

impure thing or

part. impute /im'pju:t/ v. (-ting) (foil, by to) imputation attribute (a fault etc.) to. /-'teij(a)n/ n.

[Latin puto reckon]

In symb. indium. in -prep.

1

expressing inclusion or posi-

tion within limits of space, time, circumstance, etc. (in England; in bed; in 1989; in the rain). 2 a within (a certain time) (finished it in two hours), b after (a certain time) (will be leaving in an hour). 3 with respect to (blind in one eye; good in parts). 4 as a proportionate part of (one in three failed; gradient of one in six). 5 with the form or arrangement of (packed in tens; falling in folds). 6 as a member of (in the army). 7 involved with (is in banking). 8 as the content of (there is something in what you say). 9 within the ability of (does he have it in him?). 10 having the condition affected by (in bad health; in of;

danger). 11 having as a purpose (in search of in reply to). 12 by means of or using as material (drawn in pencil; modelled in bronze). 13 a using as the language of expression (written in French), b (of music) having as its key (symphony in Q. 14 (of a word) having as a beginning or ending (words in un-). 15 wearing (in blue; in a suit). 16 with the identity of (found a friend in Mary). 17 (of an animal) pregnant with (in calf). 1 8 into (with a verb of motion or change: put it in the box; cut it in two). 19 introducing an indirect object after a verb (believe in; engage in; share in). 20 forming adverbial phrases (in any case; in reality; in short), -adv. expressing position within limits, or motion to such a position: 1 into a room, house, etc. ;

2 at home, in one's office, etc. 3 so as to be enclosed (locked in). 4 in a publication (is the advert in?). 5 in or to the inward side (rub it in). 6 a in fashion or season (long skirts are in). b elected or in office (Democrat got in). 7 favourable (their luck was in). 8 Cricket (of a player or side) batting. 9 (of transport) at the platform etc. (the train is in). 10 (of a season, order, etc.) having arrived or been received. 11 (of a fire)

(come (is

not

in).

in).

continuing to burn. 12 denoting tending to

on impulse. 2 done on impulse. 3 tending to impel. impulsively adv. impulsiveness n. impunity /im'pju:mti/ n. exemption from punishment, bad consequences, etc. with impunity without punishment etc. [Latin poena penalty] act

in

443

2 short, usu. solo, instrumental composition, often improvisatory in style. [French from Latin in promptu in readiness] improper /im'propa(r)/ adj. 1 unseemly; indecent. 2 inaccurate, wrong. improperly adv. improper fraction n. fraction in

effec-

tive action (join in). 13 (of the tide) at the highest point. 14 (in comb.) colloq. denoting prolonged concerted action, esp. by large numbers (sit-in; teach-in), -adj. 1 internal; living in; inside (inpatient). 2 fashionable (the in thing to do). 3 confined to a small group (injoke). in all see all. in between see

in.

betwekn adv. in lor 1 about to undergo or get. 2 competing in or for. in on Sharing In; privy to. ins and outs (often foil, by of) all the details, in so far as see far. in that because; in so far as. in with on good terms with; favourably placed for (in with a chance). [Old Englishl in. abbr. inch(es). in- prefix (also il-, im-, 1

ir-)

added

to: 1

adjectives, meaning 'not' {inedible; insane). 2 nouns, meaning 'without, lacking' (inaction). [Latin] In- prefix (also il-. im-, ir-) in, on, into, towards, within (induce; influx; insight; intrude), [from in, or from Latin in (prep.)]

inability

.ma'biliti/ n. 1 being unable. 2 lack of power or means. in absentia /,m aeb'sentia/ adv. in (his, her, or their) absence. [Latin] inaccessible mak'sesib(9)l/ adj. 1 not accessible. 2 (of a person) unapproach/

able,

1

inaccessibility

/-'biliti/ n.

inaccurate /m'aekjurat/ adj. not accurinaccuracy n. (pi. -ies). inacate, curately adv.

inaction /m'aekJXa^/ n. lack of action, inactive /m'aektiv/ adj. 1 not active. 2 not operating. 3 indolent.

::

inactivity

-'tiviti/ n.

inadequate

/m'agdikwat/ adj. 1 not adequate; insufficient. 2 (of a person) in-

inadequacy

competent; weak.

n. (pi.

inadequately adv. inadmissible /.mad'misibte)!/ adj. that -ies).

cannot be admitted or allowed. inadmissibility /- biliti/ n. inadmissibly adv.

inadvertent

/,inad'v3:t(8)nt/ adj.

1

un-

intentional. 2 negligent, inattentive. inadvertence n. inadvertently adv.

[from IN- ADVERT 2 inadvisable /,m8d'vaiz8b(9)l/ 1

]

,

advisable.

inadvisability

adj.

not

/-'biliti/ n.

inalienable

/m'eilian8b(9)l/ adj. that cannot be transferred to another or taken away (inalienable rights).

inamorato /m aema'ra:t8o7 (

inamorata)

n.

(fern.

literary lover. [Italian inamorato; related to in- 2 Latin amor love] (pi.

-s)

,

inane

i

nem/

adj.

empty, void.

1

silly,

senseless. 2

inanely adv. inanity

/-'aeniti/ n. (pi. -ies).

[Latin inanis]

t

inanimate

/m'aenimat/

adj.

1

not

endowed life

incandescent

444

with, or deprived of, animal (an inanimate object). 2 spiritless,

dull.

inapplicable (often

evant,

inapposite posite.

/,ina'plikab(8)l/

adj.

by to) not applicable or relinapplicability /- biliti/ n.

foil,

/m'aepazit/

adj.

not

ap-

inappropriate /.ma'praupnat/ adj. not inappropriately adv. appropriate. inappropriateness n. inapt /m'aspt/ adj. 1 not apt or suitable. 2 inaptitude n. unskilful, inarticulate /,ma:'tikjulat/ unable

adj.

1

to express oneself clearly. 2 (of

speech) not articulate; indistinct. 3 dumb. 4 esp. Anat. not jointed. : inarticulately adv.

inasmuch /.inaz'mAtJV adv. 1

(foil, by as) since, because. 2 to the extent that,

[from in as much] inattentive /.ma'tentiv/

adj.

ing attention. 2 neglecting to

inattention

tesy.

n.

1

not pay-

show cour-

inattentively

adv.

inaudible

/m'a:dib(a)l/ adj.

be heard.

inaudibly adv.

inaugural

unable to

/i'na:gjoT(a)l/ -adj. of

or for

an inauguration, -n. inaugural speech, lecture, etc. [French from Latin auguro take omens: related to augur]

inaugurate

/i'nD:gju,reit/

admit formally undertaking) or

v.

(-ting)

1

to office. 2 begin (an initiate the public use

of (a building etc.), with a ceremony. 3 begin, introduce. inauguration /-'reiJXa)n/ n. inaugurator n. inauspicious /.ma^spijas/ adj.

1

ill-

omened, not favourable. 2 unlucky. inauspiciously adv. inauspiciousness n.

in-between

attrib.

adj.

colloq.

inter-

mediate.

inboard /'inbo:d/ -adv.

within the sides or towards the centre of a ship, aircraft, or vehicle, -adj. situated inboard. inborn /'mbo:n, m'bo:n/ adj. existing from birth; natural, innate. inbred /m'bred/ adj. 1 inborn. 2 produced by inbreeding.

inbreeding

/m'bri:dirj/

n.

breeding

from closely related animals or persons. inbreed v. (past and past part. -bred).

inbuilt

/m'bilt/ adj. built-in.

Inc. abbr.

Inca

US Incorporated. member of a

/'inka/ n.

Peru [Quechua, =

before

the

Spanish

people of conquest.

lord] incalculable /in'kaelkjulab(a)l/ adj.

1

too great for calculation. 2 not calculable beforehand. 3 uncertain, unincalculability /-'biliti/ predictable. n. incalculably adv. incandesce /.mkaen'des/ v. (-cing) (cause to) glow with heat. incandescent adj. 1 glowing with heat. 2 shining. 3 (of artificial light) produced incanby a glowing filament etc. descence n. [Latin candeo be white]

incantation incantation

/

gical formula; spell, charm. tional adj. [Latin canto sing]

n.

incapable

/m'keipab(a)l/ adj. 1 a not capable, b too honest, kind, etc., to do

(incapable of hurting anyone). 2 not capable of rational conincapduct (drunk and incapable). ability /- biliti/ n. incapably adv.

something

incapacitate

make

/.mka'paesi.teit/

v.

(-ting)

/.inka'paesiti/ n. 1 inability;

lack of power. 2 legal disqualification.

incarcerate

/in'karsa.reit/

(-ting)

v.

incarceration /-'reij(a)n/ imprison. n. [medieval Latin career prison] incarnate -adj. /in'ka:nat/ embodied in flesh, esp. in human form (is the devil incarnate), -v. /'mka: neit, -'ka:neit/ (-ting) 1 embody in flesh. 2 put (an idea etc.) into concrete form. 3 be the living embodiment of (a quality). [Latin incarnor be made flesh: related to carnage] incarnation /,mka:'neij(9)n/ n. 1 a (

embodiment

in (esp.

human) flesh, b embodiment of

(the Incarnation) the

God

in Christ. 2 (often foil, by of) living type (of a quality etc.). incautious /m'koijas/ adj. heedless, incautiously adv. rash. incendiary /in'sendiari/ -adj. 1 (of a bomb) designed to cause fires. 2 a of arson, b guilty of arson. 3 inflam-

matory.-/!,

(pi. -ies) 1

incendiary bomb.

incendiarism

2 arsonist.

incendo -cens- set fire to] /'msens/ n. 1

incense

1

gum

n.

[Latin

or spice

producing a sweet smell when burned. 2 smoke of this, esp. in religious ceremonial. [Church Latin incensum]

incense 2

/in'sens/

v.

(-sing)

make

angry. [Latin: related to incendiary] /in'sentiv/ -n. 1 motive or incitement. 2 payment or concession

incentive

encouraging effort in work, -attrib. adj. serving to motivate or incite (incentive scheme). [Latin incentivus that sets the tune] /m'sepj(a)n/ n. beginning. [Latin incipio -cept- begin] inceptive /in'septiv/ adj. 1 a beginning. b initial. 2 (of a verb) denoting the beginning of an action, incessant /in'ses(a)nt/ adj. unceasing, continual, repeated. incessantly

inception

adv. [Latin cesso cease]

incest /'msest/ n. sexual intercourse between persons too closely related to marry. [Latin castus chaste]

incestuous

linear measure of of a foot (2.54 cm). 2 (as a unit of rainfall) 1 inch depth of water. 3 (as a unit of map-scale) so many inches representing 1 mile. 4 small amount (usu. with neg. would not yield an inch), -v. move gradually. every inch entirely (looked every inch a queen), within an inch of almost to the point of. [Old English from Latin

inch-rc.

1

:

uncia ounce 1 ]

inchoate

incapable or unfit.

incapacity

inclement

445

maincanta-

'.inkaen'teiJXaW

n.

1

1

just begun. 2

inchoation

/-'eij(8)n/

[Latin inchoo, incoho begin]

Usage

Inchoate

incorrectly to coherent'.

incidence

is

mean

sometimes used or

'in-

(often

foil,

'chaotic'

/'msid(a)ns/ n.

1

by of) range, scope, extent, or rate of occurrence or influence (of disease, tax, etc.).

2 falling of a line, ray, particles,

on a surface. 3 coming into contact with a thing. [Latin cado fall] incident -n. 1 occurrence, esp. a minor one. 2 public disturbance (the march took place without incident). 3 clash of etc.,

armed

forces (frontier incident). 4 distinct piece of action in a play, film, etc. -adj. 1 (often foil, by to) apt to occur; naturally attaching. 2 (often foil, by on, upon) (of light etc.) falling. [Latin cado fall]

incidental

/,msi'dent(8)l/ -adj. (often

small and relatively unimportant, minor; supplementary. 2 not essential, -n. (usu. in pi.) minor detail, expense, event, etc. incidentally adv. 1 by the way. 2 in an foil,

by

to) 1

incidental way.

incidental music n. background music in a film, broadcast, etc. incinerate /m'sma.reit/ v. (-ting) burn incineration /-'reij(8)n/ n. to ashes. [medieval Latin cinis ciner- ashes] n. furnace or device for incineration. incipient /m'sipiant/ adj. 1 beginning. 2 in an early stage. [Latin incipio begin] incise /rn'saiz/ v. (-sing) 1 make a cut in. 2 engrave. [Latin caedo cut] incision /m'si3(a)n/ n. 1 cutting, esp. by a surgeon. 2 cut made in this way. incisive /in'saisiv/ adj. 1 sharp. 2 clear

incinerator

and effective. incisor /m'saiz9(r)/

n. cutting- tooth, esp. at the front of the mouth. incite /m'sait/ v. (-ting) (often foil, by to)

urge or

stir up.

incitement

n.

[Latin

cito rouse]

incivility

of or guilty of incest. 2 having relationships restricted to a particular group or organization. incestuously adv. /in'sesrjuas/ adj.

/m'kaueit/ adj.

undeveloped.

/.msi'viliti/

n.

(pi.

-ies)

1

rudeness. 2 impolite act. inclement /m'klemant/ adj. (of the weather) severe or stormy. in-

clemency

n.

inclination dis-

1

position or propensity 2 liking, affection. 3 slope, slant. 4 angle between lines. 5 dip of a magnetic needle. 6 slow nod of the head. [Larin: related to incline J incline -v. in klam -ning 1 DHL Id passu*) a dispose or influence (am inclined to think so: does not incline me to agree, don t feel inclined), b have a specified tendency the door is inclined to bang). 2 a be disposed (/ incline to think so), b (often foil, by to. towards) tend. 3 (cause to) lean. usu. from the vertical: slope. 4 bend forward or downward, -n inklain slope. _ incline one's ear listen favourably. [Latin clino endulum

/'pendjolam/

ness, fog, etc.). 4 be absorbed by the mind. 5 (as penetrating adj.) a having or suggesting sensitivity or insight, b (of a voice etc.) easily heard through or above other sounds; piercing. penet-

rable

/-trab(a)l/ adj. penetrability penetration /-'treij(a)n/ penetrative /-trativ/ adj. [Latin] n. pen-friend n. friend communicated with by letter only. penguin /'pengwm/ n. flightless black and white sea bird of the southern hemisphere, with wings developed into /-tra'biliti/ n.

swimming underwater, unknown]

flippers for

gin

[ori-

penicillin /.peni'silm/ n. antibiotic, produced naturally by mould or synthetically. [Latin penicillum: related to

pencil]

peninsula

/pi'nmsjula/ n. piece of land almost surrounded by water or projecting far into a sea etc. peninsular adj.

[Latin paene almost, insula island] /'pi:nis/ n. male organ of copulation and (in mammals) urination.

penis

[Latin]

penitent

/'penit(a)nt/ -adj. repentant.

1 repentant sinner. 2 person doing penance under the direction of a confessor. penitence n. penitently adv.

—n.

[Latin paeniteo repent] /,peni'tenj(a)l/ adj. of penitence or penance. penitentiary /.peni'tenjan/ -n. (pi. -ies) US federal or State prison, -adj. 1 of penance. 2 of reformatory treatment. [Latin: related to penitent] penknife n. small folding knife, pen-name n. literary pseudonym, pennant /'penant/ n. 1 tapering flag, esp. that flown at the masthead of a vessel in commission. 2 = pennon. [blend of pendant and pennon] penniless /'penihs/ adj. having no

penitential

money;

destitute.

pennon

n.

lending

>endulous

esp. a rod with a weighted end regulating a clock. [Latin neuter adjective: related to pendulous] penetrate /'peni.treit/ v. (-ting) 1 a find access into or through, b (usu. foil, by with) imbue with; permeate. 2 see into, find out, or discern. 3 see through (dark-

n.

(pi.

-s)

weight suspended so as to swing freely,

/'penan/ n. 1 long narrow flag, triangular or swallow-tailed. 2 long pointed streamer on a ship. [Latin

penna

penny

feather] /'peni/ n. (pi. for

-ies, for

a

separate coins

sum of money pence /pens/) 1

British coin

and monetary unit equal

to

one-hundredth of a pound. 2 hist. British bronze coin and monetary unit equal to one-two-hundred-and-fortieth of a pound. in for a penny, in for a pound exhortation to total commitment

penny black

e

an undertaking, pennies from heaven unexpected benefits, the penny drops colloq. one understands at last, penny wise and pound foolish mean to

in small expenditures but wasteful of large amounts, a pretty penny a large sum of money, two a penny easily

obtained and so almost worthless. [Old English] n. first adhesive postage stamp (1840, price one penny), penny farthing n. early type of bicycle with a large front and small rear wheel, penny-pinching -n. meanness, -adj.

penny black

penny-pincher

mean.

pennyroyal

n.

/.peni'roial/

creeping

finger holes. leaves,

wild plant with rounded

growing

pennyworth

marshy

esp. in

n.

much

as

places.

as can be

bought for a penny.

penology

the

US

forces. /-'taegan(a)l/ adj. [Greek related to penta-]

pentagram

pentagonal

p

pentagononU V]

/'penta.graem/

fivefc

n.

pointed star. [Greek: see penta-, -gram'Ti

pentameter

/pen'taemita(r)/ n. line oh verse with five metrical feet. [Greek: seA

penta-, -meter]

Pentateuch

/'penta,tju:k/ n. first fivl2

books of the Old Testament. [GreelJg teukhos book]

pentathlon

/pen'taeeian/

athletiilp

n.

event comprising five different event J p for each competitor. pentathlettgx /-'tae81i:t/ n.

n.

kind of mint. [Anglo-French puliol real royal thyme] penny whistle n. tin pipe with six

pennywort n.

peoples

)

[Greek: see penta-, athlom

contest]

]

pentatonic

/.penta'tonik/ adj. consist ing of five musical notes. Pentecost /'penti.kost/ n. 1 Whit Suiq day. 2 Jewish harvest festival, on th fiftieth day after the second day of Pass| over. [Greek pentekoste fiftieth (day)]

Pentecostal

n pi

p
epsin 'pepsin/ n. enzyme contained in the gastric juice. [Greek pepsis diges-

tion]

\

place -

place, z perambulation n. [Latin perambulo: related

to

leij(8)n

to

amble]

perambulator per

annum

year. [Latin] pa'keil

1 for each (two sweets per \child;five miles per hour). 2 by means of; by; through (per post). 3 (in full as per) in accordance with (as per instructions), z as per usual colloq. as usual. [Latin] >er- prefix 1 through; all over (pervade). '2 completely; very (perturb). 3 to destruction; to the bad (perdition; pervert). [Latin per-: related to per] >eradventure parad'ventja(r)/ adv. archaic or joc. perhaps. [French: related tO PER, ADVENTURE] oerambulate pa'raembju.leit/ v. (-ting) 1 walk through, over, or about (streets, the country, etc.). 2 walk from

closely

woven

& adj.

cot-

(also

perceive

pa'si:v/ v. (-ving) 1 apprehend, esp. through the sight; observe. 2 (usu. foil, by that, how, etc.) apprehend with the mind; understand; see or re-

perceivable

gard.

adj.

[Latin per-

understand] (US percent) -adv. in every hundred, -rc. 1 percentage. 2 one part in every hundred (half a per cipio -cept- seize,

per cent

/pa 'sent/

cent).

percentage

n. 1

rate or proportion per

cent. 2 proportion.

percentile

'pa'sentail/

n.

Statistics

1

each of 99 points at which a range of data is divided to make 100 groups of equal size. 2 each of these groups. perceptible /pa'septitya)!/ adj. capable of being perceived by the senses or intellect, z perceptibility /-'biliti/ ru perceptibly adv. [Latin: related to perceive]

perception

pa'sepj(a)n/ n. 1 act or faculty of perceiving. 2 (often foil, by of) intuitive recognition of a truth, aesthetic quality, etc.; way of seeing,

perch

cooked]

n.

per caput /'kaeput/) for each person. [Latin, = by heads]

duodenum.

!>er prep.

formal = pram.

ton fabric. [French] per capita pa kaepita/ adv.

perceptive

'peptaid n. Biochem. compound consisting of two or more amino acids bonded in sequence. [Greek peptos

n.

par 'aenam/ adv. for each

percale

>ep talk n. (usu. short) talk intended to enthuse, encourage, etc. >eptic 'peptik/ adj. concerning or ^promoting digestion. [Greek peptikos able to digest] leptic ulcer n. ulcer in the stomach or

peptide ;

percolate

661

understanding.

z

perceptual

/pa'septjual/ adj. pa'septiv, adj.

1

sensitive;

discerning. 2 capable of perceiving, z perceptively adv. perceptiveness n.

perceptivity

/-'tiviu/ n.

1

-n. 1 bar, branch, etc. used by a bird to rest on. 2 high place for a person or thing to rest on. 3 hist, measure of l length, esp. for land, of 5 l 2 yards. (usu. foil, by on) settle or rest on or as on a perch etc. [Latin pertica pole] perch 2 n. (pi. same or -es) edible European spiny-finned freshwater fish. [Latin perca from Greek] perchance /pe'tja:ns/ adv. archaic or poet. 1 by chance. 2 maybe. [AngloFrench par by] percipient /pa'sipiant/ adj. able to perceive; conscious, z percipience n. [Latin: related to perceive]

percolate

/'p3:ka,leit/ v. (-ting) 1 (often

by through) a (of liquid etc.) filter or ooze gradually, b (of an idea etc.) permeate gradually. 2 prepare (coffee) in a percolator. 3 strain (a liquid, powder, foil,

percolator

perthrough a fine mesh etc. colation -'leij\a)n/ n. [Latin colum

etc.)

strainer]

percolator

n.

machine making

coffee

by circulating boiling water through ground beans.

percussion

/pa'kA.f(a)n/ n. 1 a (often playing of music by striking instruments with sticks etc. (percussion instrument), b such instruments collectively. 2 gentle tapping of the body in medical diagnosis. 3 forcible striking of one esp. solid body against another. percussionist n. percussive adj. atrrib.)

[Latin percutio -cuss- strike]

percussion cap

n. small amount of explosive powder contained in metal or

paper and exploded by striking. perdition /pa'di.f(a)n/ n. eternal death; damnation. [Latin perdo -dit- destroy] peregrine /perigrm/ n. (in full peregrine falcon) a kind of falcon much used for hawking. [Latin peregrinus foreign]

peremptory

/pa'remptari/ adj. 1 (of a statement or command) admitting no denial or refusal. 2 (of a person, manner,

imperious; dictatorial. peremptorily adv. peremptoriness n. [Latin peremptorius deadly, decisive] perennial /pa'renial/ -adj. 1 lasting through a year or several years. 2 (of a plant) lasting several years. 3 lasting a long time or for ever. —n. perennial plant. perennially adv. [Latin perennis from annus year] perestroika /.pere'straika/ n. (in the former USSR) reform of the economic and political system. [Russian, = reetc.)

structuring]

perfect

/'p3:fikt/

-adj.

deficient. 2 faultless. 3

complete; not very enjoyable,

1

excellent {perfect evening). 4 exact, precise (perfect circle). 5 entire, unqualified (perfect stranger). 6 Gram, (of a tense) denoting a completed action or event (e.g. he has gone), -v. /pa'fekt/ 1 make perfect. 2 complete, -n. Gram, the perfect tense. perfectible /pa'fektib(a)l/ adj.

perfectibility

/pa.fekti'biliti/

n.

[Latin perficere -feet- complete (v.)] perfection /pa'fekj(e)n/ n. 1 making, becoming, or being perfect. 2 faultlessness. 3 perfect person, thing, or example, to perfection exactly; completely. [Latin: related to perfect]

perfectionism

n.

pursuit of excellence. n.

&

uncompromising perfectionist

adj.

perfectly adv.

1

completely; quite. 2 in a

perfect way.

perfect pitch

perimeter

662

n.

= absolute pitch.

perfidy

breach of faith; perfidious /-'fidias/ adj. n.

/'p3:fidi/

treachery. [Latin perfidia from fides faith]

v. (-ting) 1 make a hole or holes through; pierce. 2 make a small holes in (paper row of etc.) so that perforaa part may be torn off easily. tion /-'reij(a)n/ n. [Latin perforo pierce

perforate /'p3:fa,reit/

through]

perforce

/pa'fo.s/ adv. archaic unavoidably; necessarily. [French par force by

FORCE

1

]

perform

/pa'fo:m/ v. 1 (also absol.) effect; do. 2 execute (a function, play, piece of music, etc.). 3 act in a play; play music, sing, etc.; execute tricks. 4 function. performer n. [Anglo-French: related to per-, fur-

carry into

nish]

performance

/pa'fa.mans/

n.

1

(usu.

by of) a act, process, or manner of performing or functioning, b execution (of a duty etc.). 2 performing of a play, music, etc.; instance of this. 3 colloq. fuss; emotional scene. performing arts n.pl. drama, music, foil,

dance,

etc.

perfume /'p3:fju:m/-rc.

1

sweet smell. 2

fluid containing the essence of flowers etc.; scent,

—v. /also pa'fju:m/ (-ming) [Italian parfu-

impart a sweet scent to. mare smoke through]

perfumer

maker or perfumery n. (pi.

/pa'fju:ma(r)/ n.

seller of perfumes. -ies).

perfunctory

/pa'fAnktari/ adj. done merely out of duty; superficial, careless. perfunctorily adv. perfunctoriness n. [Latin: related to function] pergola /'p3:gala/ n. arbour or covered walk formed of growing plants trained

over trellis-work.

perhaps

[Italian]

/pa'haeps/ adv.

it

may

be; pos-

sibly.

peri- prefix round, about. [Greek] perianth /'pen.aenO/ n. outer part of a flower. [Greek anthos flower]

pericardium /,pen'ka:diam/ n. -dia) membranous sac enclosing

the

heart. [Greek kardia heart]

perigee

I

(pi.

]

/'pen,d3i:/ n. point of a planet's

or comet's orbit where it earth. [Greek perigeion]

perihelion

is

nearest the

/,pen'hi:lian/ n.

(pi.

-lia)

point of a planet's or comet's orbit where it is nearest the sun's centre, [related to peri-, Greek helios sun] peril /'peril/ n. serious and immediate perilous adj. perilously danger. adv. [Latin peric(u)lum] perimeter /pa'rimita(r)/ n.1a circumference or outline of a closed figure, b length of this. 2 outer boundary of an

I

I

perineum

[Latin from Greek] /'piariad/ -n. 1 length or portion of time. 2 distinct portion of history, a person's life, etc. 3 time forming part of a geological era. 4 interval between recurrences of an astronomical or other phenomenon. 5 time allowed for a lesson in school. 6 occurrence of menstruation (often attrib:. period pains). 7 complete sentence, esp. one consisting of several clauses. 8 esp. US a = full stop 1. b colloq. used at the end of a statement to indicate finality (I'm not going, period), -adj. characteristic of some past period (period furniture). [Greek hodos way] periodic /.pian'odik/ adj. appearing or periodicity occurring at intervals.

period

j

permanent

663

enclosed area. [Greek: related to -meter] perineum /,pen'ni:am/ n. (pi. -nea) region of the body between the anus and perineal adj. the scrotum or vulva.

crowd

can see things otherwise out of sight. periscopic /-'sknpik/ adj. perish /'periJV v. 1 be destroyed; suffer death or ruin. 2 a (esp. of rubber) lose its normal qualities; deteriorate, rot. b cause to rot or deteriorate. 3 (in passive) suffer from cold. [Latin pereo] etc.,

perishable

-adj. liable to perish; subject to decay, -n. thing, esp. a foodstuff, subject to rapid decay.

perisher n. slang annoying person. perishing colloq. -adj. 1 confounded.

2 freezing cold. -adv. confoundedly. peristalsis /.peri'staelsis/ n. involuntary muscular wavelike movement by which the contents of the digestive tract are propelled along it. [Greek peristello

wrap around]

peritoneum

/,perita'ni:am/ n.

(pi. -s

or

membrane lining the cavity of the

-nea)

etc.

peritoneal adj. [Greek abdomen. peritonos stretched around] peritonitis /.perita'naitis/ n. inflammatory disease of the peritoneum.

periodic.

periwig

/-na'disiti/ n.

periodical —n. newspaper, magazine, issued at regular intervals, -adj. periodically adv. periodic table n. arrangement of elements in order of increasing atomic number and in which elements of similar chemical properties appear at regular intervals. periodontics /.pena'dnntiks/ n.pl (treated as sing.) branch of dentistry concerned with the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth.

[Greek odous tooth]

to place; itinerant, -n. peripatetic per-

son, esp. a teacher. [Greek pateo walk] /pa'nfar(a)l/ -adj. 1 of minor importance; marginal. 2 of the periphery, -n. any input, output, or storage device that can be controlled by a computer's central processing unit, e.g. a floppy disk or printer.

peripheral

nervous

system

n.

nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord.

periphery

/pa'nfan/

n.

(pi

-ies)

1

boundary of an area or surface. 2 outer or surrounding region. [Greek phero

periphrasis

/pa'nfrasis/

/-,si:z/) 1

v

n.

(pi.

roundabout way of

speaking; circumlocution. 2 roundphrase. periphrastic /.peri'fraestik/ adj. [Greek: related to phrase]

about

periscope

perjurer

/'peri.skaup/ n. apparatus with a tube and mirrors or prisms, by which an observer in a trench, submerged submarine, or at the back of a

n.

[French from

Latin juro swear]

perjury

n. (pi. -ies)

telling a lie

perk

Law

when on

act of wilfully oath.

perk up 1 recover confidence,

1

v.

courage, life, or zest. 2 restore confidence, courage, or liveliness in. 3 smarten up. 4 raise (one's head etc.) briskly, [origin

perk 2

n.

unknown]

colloq.

perquisite,

[abbrevi-

ation]

perky adj. (-ier, -iest) lively; cheerful. perkily adv. perkiness n. perlite /'p3:lait/ n. (also pearlite) glassy type of vermiculite used for insulation etc. [French perle pearl] perm -n. permanent wave. -v. give a 1

permanent wave

perm

bear]

-phrases

l

perjury.

peripatetic /.peripa'tetik/ -adj. 1 (of a teacher) working in more than one school or college etc. 2 going from place

peripheral

/'periwig/ n. esp. hist. wig. [alteration of peruke] periwinkle 1 /'pen wink(a)l/ n. evergreen trailing plant with blue, purple, or white flowers. [Latin pervinca] periwinkle 2 /'peri.winkte)!/ n. = winkle, [origin unknown] perjure /'p3:d3a(r)/ v.refl. (-ring) Law 1 wilfully tell a lie when on oath. 2 (as perjured adj.) guilty of or involving

2

colloq.

to.

-n.

[abbreviation]

permutation,

-v.

make a permutation of. [abbreviation] permafrost /'p3:ma,frDst/ n. subsoil which remains frozen polar frost]

regions,

all

[from

year, as in

permanent,

permanent

/'p3:manant/ adj. lasting, or intended to last or function, indefin-

n permanence permanently adv.

permanency

itely,

n.

n.

[Latin

remain

to the end]

permaneo

permanent wave permanent wave ficial

wave

long-lasting arti-

n.

in the hair.

permeable

p3:miab(a)l, adj. capable

permeability

of being permeated. •

biliti

n.

permeate]

[related to

permeate

'p3:mi,eit/

v.

(-ting)

1

pen-

etrate throughout; pervade; saturate. 2 (usu. foil, by through, among, etc.) difpermeation -'eij(a)n/ n. fuse itself, [Latin permeo pass through] -adj. of the last 'p3:mian/ Permian period of the Palaeozoic era. -n. this period. [Perm in Russia] permissible pa'misib(a)l/ adj. allow-

permissibility -biliti n. [French or medieval Latin: related to PERMIT]

able,

permission

pa'mij*(a)n n. (often foil. to - infin.) consent; authorization. [Latin permissio: related to permit] permissive /pa'misiv/ adj. 1 tolerant or liberal, esp. in sexual matters. 2 giving

by

permissiveness n. permission. [French or medieval Latin: related to permit] permit -v. /pa'mit/ (-tt-) 1 give permission or consent to; authorize. 2 a allow; give an opportunity to. b give an opportunity (circumstances permitting). 3 (foil, by of) admit, -n. 'p3:mit 1 a document giving permission to act. b document etc. which allows entry. 2 formal permission. [Latin permitto miss- allow]

permutation

,p3:mju'teij(8)n/ n. 1 one of the possible ordered arrangements or groupings of a set of things. 2 combination or selection of a specified number of things from a larger group, esp. matches in a football pool. [Latin

permuto change thoroughly]

pernicious /pa'nijas,

adj.

very harmful

or destructive; deadly. [Latin pernicies

anaemia

n.

defective

formation of red blood cells through lack of vitamin B.

pernickety

(Perpendicular) Archit. of the third stage of English Gothic (15th-16th c.) with vertical tracery in large winsteep. 4

dows, -n. 1 perpendicular line. 2 (prec. by the) perpendicular line or direction (is out of the perpendicular), perpendicularity /-'laeriti/ n. [Latin perpendiculum plumb-line]

perpetrate 'p3:pi,treit/ v. commit (a crime, blunder, thing -

pa'nikiti/ adj. colloq. fasti-

dious; over-precise, [origin unknown] peroration /.pera'reiJXa)^ n. concluding part of a speech. [Latin oro speak]

peroxide

pa'roksaid -n. 1 a = hydrogen peroxide, b (often attrib.) solution of hydrogen peroxide used esp. to bleach the hair. 2 compound of oxygen with another element containing the greatest possible proportion of oxygen, -f (-ding) bleach (the hair) with peroxide, [from per-, oxide]

perpendicular

/,p3:pan'dikjula(r)/

-adj. 1 a (usu. foil, by to) at right angles (to a given line, plane, or surface), b at right angles to the plane of the horizon. 2 upright, vertical. 3 (of a slope etc.) very-

(-ting)

or

any-

perpetration perpetrator n. [Latin

outrageous).

treiJXaJn/

n.

perpetro perform]

perpetual

pa'petjual adj. 1 lasting for ever or indefinitely. 2 continuous, uninterrupted. 3 colloq. frequent (perpetual interruptions). perpetually adv. [Latin perpetuus continuous] perpetual motion n. motion of a hypothetical machine which once set in motion would run for ever unless subject to an external force or to wear.

perpetuate pa'petju.eit/ v. (-ting) 1 make perpetual. 2 preserve from obliperpetuation -'eij\a)n/ n. perpetuator n. [Latin perpetuo] perpetuity ,p3:pi'tju:iti n. (pi. -ies) 1 vion.

state or quality of being perpetual. 2 perpetual annuity. 3 perpetual possession or position. in perpetuity for ever. [Latin: related to perpetual] perplex /pa'pleks/ v. 1 puzzle, bewilder, or disconcert. 2 complicate or confuse (a matter). perplexedly -idli adv. perplexing adj. [Latin perplexus involved]

perplexity

pa'pleksiti n. (pi. -ies) 1 state of being perplexed. 2 thing that

perplexes.

per pro.

(ps: 'prau abbr. through the agency of (used in signatures). [Latin per procurationem]

Usage The correct sequence is A per pro. B,

ruin]

pernicious

persecute

664

where B

perquisite

is

signing on behalf of A.

n. 1 extra profit or allowance additional to a main income etc. 2 customary extra right or privilege. [Latin perquiro -quisit- search

"p3:kwizit


pintail

duck or grouse with a pointed

n.

tail.

pintle pmt(8)l n. pin or bolt, esp. one on which some other part turns. [Old English]

pint-sized

pin-tuck

very small, very narrow ornamental

adj. colloq.

n.

tuck.

pin-up

n. 1 photograph of a popular or sexually attractive person, hung on the wall. 2 person in such a photograph. pin-wheel n. small Catherine wheel.

Pinyin pm'jm/ for

spelling

[Chinese] 'paion

pion

n. system of romanized transliterating Chinese.

(also pi

n.

meson)

sub-

atomic particle having a mass many times greater than that of an electron, [from pi]

pioneer

,pai8'nia(r)/

-n.

1

initiator of

an enterprise; investigator of a subject etc. 2

explorer or settler; colonist,

- v.

1

initiate (an enterprise etc.) for others to

follow. 2 be a pioneer. [French pionnier.

related to

pawn

1

]

1 devout; religious. 2 sanctimonious. 3 dutiful, z piously

'paias adj.

adv. piousness n. pip -n. seed of an

[Latin]

1

apple, pear, orange, grape, etc. —v. (-pp-) remove the pips (fruit etc.). z pipless adj. [abbreviation of pippin] pip 2 n. short high-pitched sound, usu. electronically produced, esp. as a time

from

pinnacle

'pmak(a)l n. 1 culmination or climax. 2 natural peak. 3 small ornamental turret crowning a buttress, roof, etc. [Latin pinna pin] pinnate 'pmeit adj. (of a compound leaf) having leaflets on either side of the leaf-stalk. [Latin pinna tus feathered: related to pinnacle] pinny 'pmi n. (pi. -ies) colloq. pinafore, [abbreviation] pinpoint -/?. 1 point of a pin. 2 something very small or sharp. 3 (attrib.) precise, accurate, -u. locate with precision.

pinprick

n.pl. tingling

sensation in a limb recovering from numbness. pinstripe n. 1 (often attrib.) narrowstripe in cloth (pinstripe suit). 2 (in

pious

socialist.

pinnace

pins and needles

n. trifling

irritation.

signal, [imitative]

pip 3

r. (-pp-) colloq. 1 hit with a shot. 2 (also pip at the post) defeat narrowly or

moment, [origin unknown] any of the spots on a playing-

at the last

pip 4

n. 1

card, dice, or domino. 2 star (1-3 according to rank) on the shoulder of an army officer's uniform, [origin unknown] pip 5 n. 1 disease of poultry etc. 2 colloq. fit of disgust or bad temper (esp. give one the pip). [Low German or Dutch]

pipe

tube of metal, plastic, etc., used to convey water, gas, etc. 2 a narrow tube with a bowl at one end containing tobacco for smoking, b quantity of tobacco held by this. 3 a wind instrument of a single tube, b any of the tubes by which sound is produced in an organ, c (in pi.) = bagpipes. 4 tubular organ, vessel, etc. in an animal's body. 5 high note or song, esp. of a bird. 6 a boatswain's whistle, b sounding of this. 7 cask for wine, esp. as a measure, usu. = 105 gal. (about 477 litres). -v. (-ping) 1 a convey (oil, water, gas, etc.) by pipes, b provide with pipes. 2 play (a tune etc.) on a pipe or pipes. 3 (esp. as piped adj.) transmit (recorded music etc.) by wire or cable. 4 (usu. foil, by up, on, to, etc.) Naut. a summon (a crew), b signal the arrival of (an officer etc.) on board. 5 utter in a shrill voice. 6 decorate or trim with piping. 7 lead or bring (a person etc.) by the sound of a pipe or pipes. pipe down colloq. be quiet or less insistent, pipe up begin to play, sing, speak, pipeful n. (pi. -s). [Latin pipo etc. 1

pique

-u.

/pi:k/

(piques, piqued, the pride of, irrit-

piquing) 1 wound ate. 2 arouse (curiosity, interest,

etc.).

-n. resentment; hurt pride. [French: related to piquant]

piquet

/pi'ket/

n.

card-game for two

players with a pack of 32 cards. [French] n. (pi. -ies) 1 robbery of ships at sea. 2 similar practice, esp. hijacking. 3 infringement of copyright etc. [related to pirate] piranha /pi'ra:na/ n. voracious S. American freshwater fish. [Portuguese] pirate /'paiarat/-rc. 1 a seafaring robber attacking ships, b ship used by pirates. 2 (often attrib.) person who infringes another's copyright or business rights or who broadcasts without official authorization (pirate radio station), -v. (-ting) reproduce (a book etc.) or trade (goods) without permission. piratical /-'raetik(a)l/ adj. [Latin pirata from

piracy /'pairasi/

Greek]

pirouette /,piru'et/-rc. dancer's spin on one foot or the point of the toe. -v. (-tting) perform a pirouette. [French, = spinning-top]

chirp]

pipeclay

n.

fine white clay

used for

tobacco-pipes, whitening leather, etc. n. piece of flexible tufted wire for cleaning a tobacco-pipe. pipedream n. unattainable or fanciful hope or scheme, [originally as experienced when smoking an opium pipe] pipeline n. 1 long, usu. underground, pipe for conveying esp. oil. 2 channel supplying goods, information, etc. in the pipeline being dealt with or prepared; under discussion, on the way. piper n. person who plays a pipe, esp. the bagpipes.

pipe-cleaner

pipette /pi'pet/ n. Chem slender tube for transferring or measuring small quantof liquids. [French diminutive: related to pipe] piping n. 1 pipelike fold or cord for edging or decorating clothing, upholstery, etc. 2 ornamental lines of icing, cream, potato, etc. on a cake etc. 3 lengths of pipe, system of pipes. 3 piping hot (of food, water, etc.) very hot. pipit /'pipit/ n. small bird resembling a ities

1

lark, [imitative]

pippin

pistil

677

pipe -n.

[French]

pipsqueak

insignificant or contemptible person or thing, [imitatn.

colloq.

ive]

piquant

/'pi:kant, -ka:nt/ adj. 1 agreeably pungent, sharp, or appetizing. 2 pleasantly stimulating to the mind,

piquancy

n.

men

or fishing.

[French piquer prick]

piscatorially adv.

from piscis fish] Pisces /'paisi:z/ n. (pi. same) 1 constellation and twelfth sign of the zodiac (the Fish or Fishes). 2 person born when the sun is in this sign. [Latin, pi. of piscis [Latin piscator angler,

fish]

piscina /pi'si:na/ n.

(pi. -nae /-ni:/ or -s) 1 stone basin near the altar in a church water for draining used in rinsing the chalice etc. 2 fish-pond. [Latin, from

piscis fish]

piss coarse slang —p. 1 urinate. 2 discharge (blood etc.) with urine. 3 (as pissed adj.) drunk, -n. 1 urine. 2 act of urinating. about, piss

piss

about

fool or

mess

down rain heavily,

piss off 1 go away. 2 (often as pissed off adj.) annoy; depress, piss on show utter contempt for (a person or thing), take the piss (often foil, by out of) mock; make fun of. [French, imitative]

piss artist

n. 1

drunkard. 2 person

who

fools about.

piss-taking n. mockery. piss-taker

1 apple grown from and yellow eating apple.

/'pipin/ n.

seed. 2 red

piscatorial /.piska'toTial/ adj. of fisher-

piss-taken,

n.

piss-up n. drinking spree. pistachio /pi'stajiau/ n. (pi

-s) 1 edible pale-green nut. 2 tree yielding this. [Persian pistah] piste /pi:st/ n. ski-run of compacted snow. [French, = racetrack] pistil /'pistil/ n. female organs of a flower, comprising the stigma, style, and ovary. pistillate adj. [Latin: related to pestle]

pistol pistol [Czech

piston fitting

moves

n.

small

handgun.

pist'al]

"pist(a)n/ n. 1 sliding cylinder closely in a tube in which it up and down, used in an internal-

to impart motion, or to receive motion. 2 sliding valve in a trumpet etc. [Italian: related

combustion engine in a

pump

to pestleJ

piston-ring n. ring on a piston sealing the gap between piston and cylinder wall.

piston-rod n. rod or crankshaft by which a piston imparts motion. a deep hole in the ground, usu. large, b coalmine, c covered hole as a trap for animals. 2 hollow on a surface, esp. an indentation of the skin. 3 a = orchestra pit (see orchestra 2). b usu. hist, seating at the back of the stalls. 4 (the pits) slang worst imaginable place, situation, person, etc. 5 a area at the side of a track where racing cars are serviced and refuelled, b sunken area in a workshop floor for access to a car's underside, -v. (-tt-) 1 (usu. foil, by against) set (one's wits, strength, etc.) in competition. 2 (usu. as pitted adj.) make pits, scars, craters, etc. in. 3 put into a pit. [Old English from Latin puteus well] pit 2 v. (-tt-) (usu. as pitted adj.) remove stones from (fruit), [origin uncertain! 1

pit -n.

1

pita var. of pitta. pit-a-pat /'pita.paet/ (also pitter-patter) -adv. 1 with a sound like quick light steps. 2 falteringly (heart went pit-apat), -n. such a sound, [imitative] pit bull terrier n. small American dog noted for ferocity.

pitch

pitta

678 /'pist(a)l/

-v. 1 erect and fix (a tent, camp, 2 throw. 3 fix in a definite position. 4 express in a particular style or at a particular level. 5 (often foil, by against, into, etc.) fall heavily, esp. headlong. 6 (of a ship etc.) plunge backwards and forwards in a lengthwise direction. 7 Mus. set at a particular pitch. 8 Cricket a cause (a bowled ball) to strike the ground at a specified point etc. b (of a ball) strike the ground thus. -n. 1 area of play in a field-game. 2 height, degree, 1

etc.).

intensity, etc. (excitement had reached such a pitch). 3 degree of slope, esp. of a roof. 4 Mus. quality of a sound governed by the rate of vibrations producing it; highness or lowness of a note. 5 act of throwing. 6 pitching motion of a ship etc. 7 colloq. salesman's persuasive talk. 8 place where a street vendor is stationed. 9 distance between successive points, lines, etc. (e.g. character spacing on a typewriter), pitch in colloq. set to work vigorously, pitch into colloq. 1

attack forcibly. 2 assail (food, work, etc.) vigorously, [origin uncertain] pitch 2 -n. dark resinous substance from the distillation of tar or turpentine, used for making ships watertight pitchy adj. etc. -v. coat with pitch. (-ier, -iest). [Latin pix pic-]

pitch-black

(also

adj.

pitch-dark)

very or completely dark.

pitchblende

/'pitjblend/ n. uranium oxide occurring in pitchlike masses and yielding radium. [German: related to

PITCH 2 ]

pitched battle

n. 1

vigorous argument

planned battle between sides in prepared positions and on chosen ground. etc. 2

pitched roof n. sloping roof. pitcher n. large jug with a 1

lip and a handle, [related to beaker] 2 pitcher n. player who delivers the ball

in baseball.

pitchfork

-n.

long-handled

two-

pronged fork for pitching hay etc. -i>. 1 throw with or as if with a pitchfork. 2 (usu. foil, by into) thrust (a person) forcibly into a position, office, etc. n. pine-tree yielding much

pitch-pine resin.

piteous /'pitias/ adj. deserving or arouspiteously adv. [Romanic: related to

ing pity; wretched.

piteousness

n.

pity]

pitfall n. 1 unsuspected danger or drawback. 2 covered pit for trapping animals. pith n. 1 spongy white tissue lining the rind of an orange etc. 2 essential part. 3 spongy tissue in the stems and branches of plants. 4 strength; vigour; energy. [Old English] pit-head n. 1 top of a mineshaft. 2 area surrounding this (also attrib.: pit-head ballot).

pith helmet

n.

protective sun-helmet

made of dried pith from plants. pithy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of style, speech, etc.) terse

and

forcible. 2 of or like pith.

pithily adv. pithiness

n.

pitiable

/'pitiab(a)l/ adj. deserving or pitiably arousing pity or contempt.

adv. [French: related to pity]

pitiful /'piti.ful/ adj. 1 causing pity. 2 pitifully adv. contemptible. pitiless /'pitilis/ adj. showing no pity pitilessly adv. (pitiless heat). pit of the stomach n. depression below the breastbone. piton /'pi:tDn/ n. peg driven into rock or a crack to support a climber or rope. [French] pitta /'pita/ n. (also pita) flat hollow unleavened bread which can be split and filled, [modern Greek, = a kind of cake]

pittance pittance ance

very small allow[Romanic: remuneration.

/'pit(a)ns/ n.

or

related to pity]

pitter-patter var. of pit-a-pat. pituitary /pi'tju:it9n/ n. (pi. -ies)

(also

pituitary gland) small ductless gland at the base of the brain. [Latin pituita

phlegm] pity /'piti/-rc.

1

sorrow and compassion

for another's suffering. 2 cause for regret {what a pity!), -v. (-ies, -ied) feel take (often contemptuous) pity for. pitying pity on help out of pity for. adj. pityingly adv. [Latin: related to

piety]

pivot

/'pivat/

-n.

1

shaft or pin

something turns or

on which

oscillates. 2 crucial

or essential person, point, etc. -v. (-t-) 1 turn on or as on a pivot. 2 provide with a pivotal adj. [French] pivot. pixel /'piks(9)l/ n. any of the minute areas of uniform illumination of which an image on a display screen is composed, [abbreviation of picture element] pixie /'piksi/ n. (also pixy) (pi. -ies) fairy-like being, [origin unknown] pizza /'pi:tsa/ n. Italian dish of a layer of dough baked with a topping of tomatoes, cheese, etc. [Italian, = pie] pizzeria /,pi:tsa'ri:8/ n. pizza restaur-

ant.

pizzicato

/,pitsi'ka:tau/

Mus.

-adv.

plucking, -adj. (of a note, passage, etc.) performed pizzicato, -n. (pi. -s or -ti /-ti/) note, passage, etc. played pizzicato. 1

plural. 2 (usu.

PL)

place. 3

/'plaekab(9)l/ adj. easily pla-

placability cated; mild; forgiving. /-'biliti/ n. [Latin placo appease] /'plaeka:d/ -n. large notice for public display. — v. set up placards on (a

placard

etc.).

[French from Dutch placken

(v.)]

placate /pla'keit/ v. (-ting) pacify; conciliate. placatory /pte'keitari/ adj. [Latin placo appease] 1 a particular portion of space, b portion of space occupied by a person or thing, c proper or natural position. 2 city, town, village, etc. 3 residence, home. 4 group of houses in a town etc., esp. a square. 5 (esp. large) country house. 6 rank or status. 7 space, esp. a seat, for a person. 8 building or area for a specific purpose {place of work). 9 point reached in a book etc. (lost my place). 10 particular spot on a surface, esp. of the skin (sore place). 11a employment or office, b duties or entitlements of office etc. (not my place to criticize). 12 position as a member of a team, student in a college, etc. 13 any of the

place -n.

make room

for. 2 yield precedence to. 3 be succeeded by. go places colloq. be successful, in place in the right position; suitable, in place of in exchange for; instead of. in places at only some places or parts, out of place 1 in the wrong position. 2 unsuitable, put a person in his (or her) place deflate a person, take place occur, take the place of be substituted for. placement n. [Latin platea broad way] placebo /pla'si:bao7 n. (pi. -s) 1 medicine with no physiological effect prescribed for psychological reasons. 2 dummy pill etc. used in a controlled trial. [Latin, = I shall be acceptable] place-kick n. kick in football with the ball placed on the ground. place-mat n. small table-mat for a per-

son's plate. village,

etc.

placenta

plate.

placable

wall glue

three (or four) positions in a race, esp. other than the winner. 14 position of a digit in a series indicated in decimal or similar notation, -v. (-cing) 1 put in a particular or proper place or state or order; arrange. 2 identify, classify, or remember correctly. 3 assign to a particular place, class, or rank; locate. 4 find employment or a living etc. for. 5 make or state (an order or bet etc.). 6 (often foil, by in, on, etc.) have (confidence etc.). 7 state the position of (any of the first three or four runners) in a race. 8 (as placed adj. ) among the first three give place to 1 (or four) in a race. first

place-name n. name of a town,

[Italian]

pi. abbr.

plagiarize

679

/pla'senta/ n. (pi. -tae

/-ti:/

or

organ in the uterus of pregnant mammals nourishing the foetus through the umbilical cord and expelled after birth. placental adj. [Greek, = -s)

flat

cake]

placer

/'pleis9(r)/ n. deposit of sand, gravel, etc. containing valuable minerals in particles. [American Spanish] place-setting n. set of cutlery etc. for one person at a table. placid /'plaesid/ adj. 1 calm; not easily excited or irritated. 2 tranquil, serene. placidity /pla siditi/ n. placidly adv. placidness n. [Latin placeo please] placket /'plaekit/ n. 1 opening or slit in a garment, for fastenings or access to a pocket. 2 flap of fabric under this. [var. of placard] plagiarize /'pleid3a,raiz/ v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 (also absol.) take and pass off (another's thoughts, writings, etc.) as one's own. 2 pass off the thoughts etc. of (another person) as one's own. plagiarism n. plagiarist n. plagiarizer n. [Latin plagiarius kid-

napper]

plague plague

-n.

1

deadly contagious

disease. 2 (foil, by of) colloq. infestation of a pest etc. 3 great trouble or affliction. (plagues, nuisance, -v. 4 colloq. plagued, plaguing) 1 colloq. pester, annoy. 2 afflict, hinder {plagued by back pain). 3 affect with plague. [Latin plaga stroke, infection]

plaice /pleis/ n. (pi. same) marine flatfish used as food. [Latin platessa] plaid /plaed/ n. 1 (often attrib.) chequered or tartan, esp. woollen, twilled cloth {plaid skirt). 2 long piece of this worn over the shoulder in Highland Scottish costume. [Gaelic] plain -adj. 1 clear, evident. 2 readily understood, simple. 3 (of food, decoration, etc.) simple. 4 not beautiful or outspoken; 5 distinguished-looking. straightforward. 6 unsophisticated; not luxurious (a plain man; plain living), -adv. 1 clearly. 2 simply, -n. 1 level tract of country. 2 basic knitting stitch. plainly adv. plainness n. [Latin

planus]

plainchant n. = plainsong. plain chocolate n. dark chocolate without added milk.

plain clothes n.pl ordinary

clothes,

not uniform {plain-clothes police).

plain dealing

n.

candour; straight-

forwardness.

plain flour

n.

flour containing

no

rais-

n.

[French]

planchette /pla:n'Jet/ n. small board on castors with a pencil, said to write spirit messages when a person's fingers rest lightly on it. [French diminutive: related to plank] 1 plane -n. 1 flat surface such that a straight line joining any two points on it lies wholly in it. 2 level surface. 3 colloq. = aeroplane. 4 flat surface producing lift by the action of air or water over and under it (usu. in comb.: hydroplane). 5 (often foil, by of) level of attainment, knowledge, etc. -adj. 1 (of a surface etc.) perfectly level. 2 (of an angle, figure, etc.) lying in a plane, -v. (-ning) glide. [Latin planus plain] plane 2 -n. tool for smoothing a usu. wooden surface by paring shavings from it. -v. (-ning) 1 smooth with a plane. 2 (often foil, by away, down) pare with a plane. [Latin: related to plane ] plane 3 n. tall tree with maple-like leaves and bark which peels in uneven patches. [Greek platanos] 1

planet

body orbitplanetary adj.

/'plaemt/ n. celestial

ing round a star. [Greek, = wanderer]

unaccompanied church

images of stars, planets, constellations, etc. are projected. 2 device for such

uncomplicated

music sung in unison in medieval modes and in free rhythm corresponding to the accentuation of the words. plain-spoken adj. frank. plaint n. 1 Law accusation; charge. 2 literary complaint, lamentation. [French plainte from Latin plango

lament] plaintifF/'plemtif/ n. person who brings a case against another into court. [French plaintif. related to plaintive]

plaintive

/'plemtiv/ adj. expressing sorrow; mournful-sounding. plaintively adv. [French: related to plaint] plait /plaet/ -n. length of hair, straw, etc., in three or more interlaced strands. -v. 1 weave (hair etc.) into a plait. 2 make by interlacing strands (plaited belt). [French pleit from Latin plico fold] plan -n. 1 method or procedure for doing something; design, scheme, or intention. 2 drawing etc. of a building or structure, made by projection on to a horizontal plane. 3 map of a town or district. 4

plans. plan on (often foil, by pres. part.) colloq. aim at; intend. planning

planetarium /.plaeni'teanam/ n. {pi. -s or -ria) 1 domed building in which

n.

tion or course of action. n.

make

a plan of or design for. 3 (as planned adj.) in accordance with a plan {planned parenthood). 4 make intend. 2

situa-

ing agent.

plain sailing

plainsong

plant

680

/pleig/

scheme of an arrangement

{seating plan), -v. (-nn-)

1 arrange (a procedure etc.) beforehand; form a plan;

projection.

plangent

/'plaend3(a)nt/ adj. literary

1

loud and reverberating. 2 plaintive. [Latin: related to plaint]

plank -n.

1 long flat piece of timber. 2 item in a political or other programme. -v. 1 provide or cover with planks. 2 (usu. foil, by down) colloq. a put down or deposit roughly or violently, b pay (money) on the spot. walk the plank hist, be made to walk blindfold along a plank over the side of a ship to one's death in the sea. [Latin planca] planking n. planks as flooring etc.

plankton

/'plaenkt(a)n/

n.

chiefly

microscopic organisms drifting in the sea or fresh water. [Greek, = wandering]

planner towns list,

n.

etc. 2

1 person who plans new person who makes plans. 3 with information helpful

table, etc.,

in planning.

planning permission mission for building local authority. plant /pla:nt/ -n.

n.

formal perfrom a

etc., esp.

1 a organism usu. containing chlorophyll enabling it to

plantain wholly on inorganic substances, and lacking the power of voluntary movement, b small organism of this kind, as distinguished from a shrub or live

machinery, fixtures, etc., used in industry, b factory. 3 colloq. sometree. 2 a

thing deliberately placed so as to incriminate another, -v. 1 place (seeds, plants, etc.) in soil for growing. 2 (often by in, on, etc.) put or fix in position. 3 (often re/7.) station (a person etc.), esp. as a spy. 4 cause (an idea etc.) to be established, esp. in another person's mind. 5 deliver (a blow, kiss, etc.) with a deliberate aim. 6 colloq. place (something incriminating) for later discovery. foil,

plant out transfer from a pot or frame to the open ground; set out (seedlings) at plantlike adj. [Latin intervals. planta] 1

plant with broad

'plaentm n. leaves spread close to the ground and seeds used as food for birds. [Latin plantago] plantain 2 /'plaentm/ n. 1 a kind of flat

plant,

grown

for its fruit.

2

banana-like fruit of this. [Spanish]

plantation /pla:n'teij(9)n, plaen-/ n. estate on which cotton, tobacco, etc.

1

is

cultivated. 2 area planted with trees etc. 3 hist, colony. [Latin: related to plant] n. 1 manager or owner of a plantation. 2 container for houseplants. plaque /plaek, pla:k n. 1 commemorative tablet, esp. fixed to a building. 2 deposit on teeth where bacteria pro-

planter

[Dutch plak placard]

liferate.

plasma

'plaezma

tablet: related to n.

(also

plasm

/'plaez(a)m ) 1 a colourless fluid part of blood, lymph, or milk, in which corpuscles or fat-globules are suspended, b this taken from blood for transfusions. 2 = protoplasm. 3 gas of positive ions and free electrons in about equal numbers, z plasmic adj. [Greek plasso

shape

limb

(v.)]

plaster

'pla:sta(r)'-rc. 1 soft mixture of lime, sand, and water etc. applied to walls, ceilings, etc., to dry into a smooth hard surface. 2 = sticking-plaster. 3 = plaster of Paris, -v. 1 cover (a wall etc.) with plaster. 2 coat, daub, cover thickly. 3 stick or apply (a thing) thickly like plaster. 4 (often foil, by down) smooth (esp. hair) with water etc. 5 (as

plastered adj.) slang drunk. plasterer n. [Greek emplastron] n. two boards with a

plasterboard

filling of plaster for partitions, walls, etc.

plaster cast n. plaster of Paris

bandage stiffened with and applied to a broken

1

etc.

2 statue or

mould made

of

plaster.

plaster of Paris

n. fine

white gypsum

plaster for plaster casts etc.

plastic 'plaestik -n. 1 synthetic resinous substance that can be given any shape. 2 (in full plastic

money)

colloq.

credit card(s). -adj. 1 made of plastic. 2 capable of being moulded; pliant, supple. 3 giving form to clay, wax, etc.

plasticity

-

tisiti

n.

plasticize

(also -ise) (-zing or -sing;, plasticizer -,saize(r) n. (also -iser). plasticky adj. [Greek: related to /-.saiz/

v.

plasma] plastic arts ling or objects.

plastic tic

plantain

banana

plateau

681

the

involving modelrepresentation of solid

n.pl. arts

bomb n. bomb containing plas-

explosive.

plastic

explosive

n.

putty like ex

plosive.

Plasticine

'plaesta,si:n n.propr. pliant material used for modelling. plastic surgery n. reconstruction or repair of damaged or unsightly skin, muscle, etc., esp. by the transfer of tissue, z plastic surgeon n. plate -n. 1 a shallow usu. circular vessel from which food is eaten or served, b contents of this. 2 similar vessel used for a collection in church etc. 3 (collect.) a utensils of silver, gold, or other metal, b objects of plated metal. 4 piece of metal with a name or inscription for affixing to a door etc. 5 illustration on special paper in a book. 6 thin sheet of metal, glass, etc., coated with a sensitive film for photography. 7 flat thin usu. rigid sheet of metal etc., often as part of a mechanism. 8 a smooth piece of metal etc. for engraving, b impression from this. 9 a silver or gold cup as a prize for a horse-race etc. b race with this as a prize. 10 a thin piece of plastic material, moulded to the shape of the mouth, on which artificial teeth are mounted, b colloq. denture. 11 each of several rigid sheets of rock thought to form the earth's outer crust. 12 thin flat organic structure or formation, -v. (-ting) 1 apply a thin coat esp. of silver, gold, or tin to (another metal). 2 cover (esp. a ship) with plates of metal, for protection, z on a plate colloq. available with little trouble to the recipient, on one's plate colloq. for one to deal with, z plateful n. (pi. -s). [Latin plana

from planus

plateau

flat]

'plaetau -n. (pi. -xor-s -taoz area of fairly level high ground. 2 state of little variation after an increase, -i\ (plateauing, plateaus, plateaued) (often foil, by out) reach a level or static 1

)

1

plate glass state after

involved in clotting.

platen

/'plaet(a)n/ n. 1 plate in a printing-press which presses the paper against the type. 2 cylindrical roller in a typewriter etc. against which the paper is held. [French platine: related to plate] plate-rack n. rack in which plates are placed to drain. plate tectonics n.pl. (usu. treated as sing.) the study of the earth's surface based on the concept of moving 'plates' (see sense 11 of plate) forming its struc-

ture. /'plaetfoim/ n.

1

raised level

from which a speaker addresses an audience or one alongside surface, esp. one

the line at a railway station. 2 floor area at the entrance to a bus etc. 3 thick sole of a shoe. 4 declared policy of a political party. [French: related to plate, form]

platinum

/'plaetmam/ n. Chem. white heavy precious metallic element that does not tarnish, [earlier platina from Spanish, diminutive from plata silver]

platinum blonde

(also

platinum

blond) -adj. silvery-blond, -n. person with such hair.

platitude /'plaeti,tju:d/ n. commonplace remark, esp. one solemnly delivered. platitudinous /-'tju:dmas/ adj. [French: related to plate]

Platonic /pla'tonik/ adj.

1

of Plato or his

ideas. 2 (platonic) (of love or friendship) not sexual. [Greek Platon (5th-4th c. bc), name Platonism

of a Greek philosopher] ,

pleit9,niz(a)m/

n.

philo-

sophy of Plato or his followers.

Pla-

tonist

/

n.

platoon

/pla'tu:n/ n. 1 subdivision of a military company. 2 group of persons acting together. [French peloton diminutive of pelote PELLET] platter n. large flat dish or plate. [Anglo-French plater, related to plate] platypus /'plaetipas/ n. (pi. -puses) Australian aquatic egg-laying mammal, with a ducklike bill and flat tail. [Greek,

=

flat foot]

plaudit

/'pb:dit/ n. (usu. in pi.) 1 round of applause. 2 expression of approval. [Latin plaudite, imperative of plaudo plaus- clap] plausible "pb:zib(a)l/ adj. 1 (of a state-

ment a

etc.)

person)

plausibility

/-

biliti/

n.

plausibly

adv. [Latin: related to plaudit]

to plate]

plate glass n. thick fine-quality glass for shop windows etc. platelayer n. person employed in fixing and repairing railway rails. platelet /'pleitlit/ n. small colourless disc of protoplasm found in blood and

platform

play

682

an increase. [French: related

reasonable or probable. 2 (of persuasive but deceptive.

play -v. 1 (often foil, by with) occupy or amuse oneself pleasantly. 2 (foil, by with) act light-heartedly or flippantly

with (a person's feelings etc.). 3 a perform on or be able to perform on (a musical instrument), b perform (a piece of music etc.). c cause (a record, recordplayer, etc.) to produce sounds. 4 a (foil, by in) perform a role in (a drama etc.). b perform (a drama or role) on stage etc. c give a dramatic performance at (a particular theatre or place). 5 act in real life the part of (play truant; play the fool). 6 (foil, by on) perform (a trick or joke etc.) on (a person). 7 colloq. cooperate; do what is wanted (they won't play). 8 gamble, gamble on. 9 a take part in (a game or recreation), b compete with (another player or team) in a game, c occupy (a specified position) in a team for a game, d assign (a player) to a position. 10 move (a piece) or display (a playing-card) in one's turn in a game. 1 (also absol.) strike (a ball etc.) or execute (a stroke) in a game. 12 move about in a lively manner; flit, dart. 13 (often foil, by on) a touch gently, b emit light, water, etc. (fountains gently playing). 14 allow (a fish) to exhaust itself pulling against a line. 15 (often foil, by at) a engage half-heartedly (in an activity), b pretend to be. -n. 1 recreation, amusement, esp. as the spontaneous activity of children. 2 a playing of a game, b action or manner of this. 3 dramatic piece for the stage etc. 4 activity or operation (the play offancy). 5 a freedom of movement, b space or scope for this. 6 brisk, light, or fitful movement. 7 gambling. in (or out of) play Sport (of the ball etc.) in (or not in) a position to be played according to the rules, make a play for colloq. make a conspicuous attempt to acquire, make play with use ostentatiously, play about (or around) behave irresponsibly, play along pretend to cooperate, play back play (sounds recently recorded), play ball colloq. cooperate, play by ear 1 perform (music) without having seen it written down. 2 (also play it by ear) colloq. proceed step by step according to results, play one's cards right (or well) colloq. make good use of opportunities; act shrewdly, play down minimize the importance of. played out exhausted of energy or usefulness, play fast and loose act unreliably, play the field see field, play for time seek to gain time by^ delaying, play the game observe the rules; behave

honourably, play havoc (or hell) with

play-act

cause great confusion or diffidisrupt, play into a person's act so as unwittingly to give a person an advantage, play it cool colloq. be relaxed or apparently indifferent, play the market speculate in colloq.

culty

to;

hands

*

plebeian

683

stocks etc. play off (usu. foil, by against) 1 oppose (one person against another), esp. for one's own advantage. 2 play an extra match to decide a draw or tie. play on 1 continue to play. 2 take advantage of (a person's feelings etc.). play safe (or for safety) avoid risks, play up 1 behave mischievously. 2 annoy in this way. 3 cause trouble; be irritating, play up to flatter, esp. to win favour, play with fire take foolish risks. [Old English] play-act v. 1 act in a play. 2 pretend; play-acting n. behave insincerely, play-back n. playing back of a sound, playbill n. poster advertising a play, playboy n. wealthy pleasure-seeking

man.

player

n. 1 participant in a game. 2 person playing a musical instrument. 3

n. 1 appeal, entreaty. 2 Law formal statement by or on behalf of a defendplacitum decree:

plea

ant. 3 excuse. [Latin related to please]

pleach

related to plexus] 1 (foil, by with) make an earnest appeal to. 2 (of an advocate) address a lawcourt. 3 maintain (a cause) in a lawcourt. 4 (foil, by guilty or not guilty) declare oneself to be guilty or not guilty of a charge. 5 allege as an excuse (plead insanity). 6 (often as pleading adj.)

make an

appeal or entreaty (in a plead[Anglo-French pleder. related to plea] pleading n. (usu. in pi.) formal statement of the cause of an action or

ing

voice).

defence.

pleasant

adj.

/'plez(a)nt/

(-er,

-est)

pleasing to the mind, feelings, or senses. pleasantly adv. [French: related to PLEASE] pleasantry n. (pi. -ies) 1 amusing or polite remark. 2 humorous speech. 3 jocularity.

please /pli:z/

actor.

make

playfully adv. playdone in fun. fulness n. playgoer n. person who goes often to

to

2

the theatre.

playground

n.

outdoor area for

chil-

to play in.

playgroup

n. organized regular meeting of preschool children for supervised

play.

playhouse

n.

theatre,

playing-card

n. one of a set of usu. 52 oblong cards, divided into four suits and used in games. playing-field n. field for outdoor games.

playlet

to

plead v.

playfellow n. playmate. playful adj. 1 fond of or inclined to play.

dren

entwine or interlace (esp. form a hedge). [Latin:

v.

branches

n.

short play,

playmate n. play-off

n.

child's companion in play, match played to decide a

draw or tie. play on words n. pun. play-pen n. portable enclosure for a young child to play in. play school n. nursery school or kindergarten.

plaything n.

1 toy or other thing to play with. 2 person used merely as an object of amusement or pleasure. playtime n. time for play or recreation.

playwright plays. pic abbr.

Company.

n.

(also

person

who

writes

PLC) Public Limited

a

v. (-sing) 1 be agreeable to; glad; give pleasure. 2 (in passive)

(foil,

by

to

+

(am pleased

infin.)

be glad or willing b (often foil, by

to help),

about, at, with) derive pleasure or satisfaction (from). 3 (with it as subject) be the inclination or wish of (it did not please him to attend). 4 think fit (take as many as you please). 5 used in polite requests (come in, please). if you please if you are willing, esp. iron, to indicate unreasonableness (then, if you please, we had to pay), please oneself do as one likes. pleased adj. pleasing adj. [French plaisir from Latin placeo] pleasurable /'ple3arab(e)l/ adj. causpleas urably adv. ing pleasure. pleasure /'ple3a(r)/ n. 1 feeling of satisfaction or joy. 2 enjoyment. 3 source of pleasure or gratification. 4 one's will or desire (what is your pleasure/"). 5 sensual gratification. 6 (attrib.) done or used for pleasure. [French: related to PLEASE] pleat -n. fold or crease, esp. a flattened fold in cloth doubled upon itself. —v, make a pleat or pleats in. [from plait] pleb n. colloq. usu. derog. = plebeian 2. plebby adj. [abbreviation of plebeian] plebeian /ph'bi:an/ -n. 1 commoner, esp. in ancient Rome. 2 working-class person, esp. an uncultured one. -adj. 1 of the common people. 2 uncultured, coarse. [Latin plebs plebis common people]

plebiscite /'plebi.sait/ n.

plectrum

/'plektram/ n. (pi. -s or -tra) thin flat piece of plastic etc. for plucking the strings of a guitar etc. [Greek plesso

pledge -n.

1 solemn promise. 2 thing given as security against a debt etc. 3 pawn. 4 thing given as a in thing put token of favour etc., or of something to come. 5 drinking of a person's health, toast. 6 solemn promise to abstain from alcohol (sign the pledge), -v. (-ging) 1 a deposit as security, b pawn. 2 promise solemnly by the pledge of (one's honour, word, etc.). 3 bind by a solemn promise. pledge one's 4 drink to the health of. troth see troth. [French plege] n.pl. /'plaia,di:z/ cluster of Pleiades seven stars in the constellation Taurus.

from Greek]

Pleistocene

/'pleista,si:n/ Geol -adj. of the first epoch of the Quaternary period. -n. this epoch. [Greek pleistos most,

kainos new]

plenary

/'pli:nan/

adj.

1

(of

an

as-

sembly) to be attended by all members. 2 entire, unqualified (plenary indulgence). [Latin plenus full] plenipotentiary /.plenipa'tenjari/ -n. (pi. -ies) person (esp. a diplomat) invested with full authority to act. —adj. having this power. [Latin: related to PLENARY, POTENT]

plenitude /'pleni.rjurd/ n. ness,

completeness.

[Latin: related to

plenteous plentiful. to

plexus

/'pleksas/

n.

same

(pi.

or

plexuses) Anat. network of nerves or (solar plexus).

vessels plex- plait]

pliable

/'plaiab(a)l/

[Latin plecto

adj.

1

bending

easily; supple. 2 yielding, compliant.

strike]

[Latin

plot

684

referendum. [Latin plebiscitum: related to plebeian]

plebiscite

literary

1 full-

abundance.

2

plenary]

/'plenties/

adj.

literary

[French plentivous: related

plentiful

/'plentiful/ adj. abundant, plentifully adv. plenty /'plenti/ -n. (often foil, by of) abundance, sufficient quantity or number (we have plenty; plenty of time; a time of plenty), -adj. colloq. plentiful. -adv. colloq. fully, quite. [Latin plenitas: related to plenary]

copious.

/'pli:nam/ n. full assembly of people or a committee etc. [Latin, neuter of plenus full] pleonasm /'pli:a naBz(a)m/ n. use of more words than are needed (e.g. see with one's eyes). pleonastic /-'naestik/ adj. [Greek pleon more] plethora /'pleGara/ n. over-abundance. [Greek, = fullness] pleura /'pluara/ n. (pi. -rae /-ri:/) membrane enveloping the lungs, n pleural adj. [Greek pleura rib] pleurisy /'pluarasi/ n. inflammation of the pleura. pleuritic /-'ntik/ adj. [Greek: related to pleura] l

/-'biliti/ n.

[French: related to

1

surfaces for holding small obbending wire, etc. [from dial, ply bend: related to pliable] plight 1 /plait/ n. unfortunate condition or state. [Anglo-French plit plait] plight 2 /plait/ v. archaic 1 pledge. 2 (foil, by to) engage (oneself) in marriage. plight one's troth see troth. [Old English] plimsoll /'plims(a)l/ n. (also plimsole) rubber-soled canvas sports shoe, [from lel flat

jects,

Plimsoll line]

Plimsoll line /'plims(a)l/ n. soll mark) marking on a

(also Plimship's side

showing the limit of legal submersion under various conditions. [Plimsoll,

name

of a politician] 1 lower square slab at the base of a column. 2 base supporting a vase or statue etc. [Greek, = tile] Pliocene /'plaia,si:n/ Geol. -adj. of the last epoch of the Tertiary period, -n. this epoch. [Greek pleion more, kainos

plinth n.

new]

PLO

abbr. Palestine Liberation Organ-

ization.

plenty]

plenum

pliability ply ]

pliant /'plaiant/ adj. = pliable 1. pliancy n. pliers /'plaiaz/ n.pl pincers with paral-

plod

-v. (-dd-) 1 walk doggedly or laboriously; trudge. 2 work slowly and steadily, -n. spell of plodding. plodder n. [probably imitative] plonk 1 —v. 1 set down hurriedly or clumsily. 2 (usu. foil, by down) set down firmly, -n. heavy thud, [imitative] plonk 2 n. colloq. cheap or inferior wine, [origin

unknown]

plonker

coarse slang 1 fool. 2 penis. as of a smooth object dropping into water without a splash. -v. (-pp-) fall or drop with a plop. -adv. n.

plop —n. sound

with a plop, [imitative]

plosive

/'plausiv/

-adj.

pronounced

with a sudden release of breath, -n. plosive sound, [from explosive] plot -n. 1 defined and usu. small piece of land. 2 interrelationship of the main events in a play, novel, film, etc. 3 conspiracy or secret plan. —v. (-tt-) 1 make a plan or map of. 2 (also absol.) plan or contrive secretly (a crime etc.). 3

a chart or diagram. 4 make (a by marking out a number of points. 5 provide (a play, novel, film,

mark on curve

etc.)

plough with a plot. :: plotter n. English and French complot] /plao/ (US plow) -n. 1 implement for cutting furrows in the soil and turning it up. 2 implement resembling this (snowplough). 3 (the Plough) the Great Bear (see bear 2 ) or its seven bright stars, -v. 1 (also absol.) turn up (the earth) with a plough. 2 (foil, by out, up, etc.) turn or extract with a plough. 3 furrow or scratch (a surface) as with a plough. 4 produce (a furrow or line) thus. 5 (foil, by through) advance laboriously, esp. through work, a book, etc. 6 (foil, by through, into) move violently like a plough. 7 colloq. fail in an explough back 1 plough amination. (grass etc.) into the soil to enrich it. 2 reinvest (profits) in the business producing them. [Old English] etc.)

plough

ploughman

n. (US plowman) person who uses a plough. ploughman's lunch n. meal of bread

and cheese with pickle and salad. n. (US plowshare)

ploughshare

cut-

ting blade of a plough.

plover wading

/'plAva(r)/

n.

plump-breasted

bird, e.g. the lapwing. [Latin

pluvia rain]

plow US var.

of plough. of ploughman. plowshare US var. of ploughshare. ploy n. cunning manoeuvre to gain advantage, [origin unknown] ahbr. Public Lending Right. pluck -v. 1 pick or pull out or away. 2 strip (a bird) of feathers. 3 pull at, twitch. 4 (foil, by at) tug or snatch at. 5 sound (the string of a musical instrument) with a finger or plectrum. 6 plunder, -n. 1 courage, spirit. 2 plucking; twitch. 3 animal's heart, liver, and lungs as food, z pluck up summon up (one's courage etc.). [Old English] plucky adj. (-ier, -iest) brave, spirited. pluckily adv. pluckiness n. plug -n. 1 piece of solid material fitting tightly into a hole, used to fill a gap or cavity or act as a wedge or stopper. 2 a device of metal pins in an insulated casing, fitting into holes in a socket for

plowman US var.

PLR

making an

electrical connection, b colsocket. 3 = spark-plug. 4 an idea, product, etc. 5 cake or stick of tobacco; piece of this for chewing, -v. (-gg-) 1 (often foil, by up) stop (a hole etc.) with a plug. 2 slang shoot or nit (a person etc.). 3 colloq. seek to popularize (an idea, loq. electric

colloq. piece of free publicity for

by constant recommendaby away (at)) work steadily (at), plug in connect electrically by inserting a plug into a socket. [Low German or Dutch] product,

plump

685

[Old

etc.)

tion. 4 colloq. (foil,

plug-hole n. hole, esp. in a sink or bath, which can be closed by a plug. plug-in attrib. adj. designed to be plugged into a socket.

plum /i.1a small sweet oval fleshy fruit with a flattish pointed stone, b tree bearing this. 2 reddish-purple colour. 3 raisin used in cooking. 4 colloq. something prized (often attrib. plum job). have a plum in one's mouth have an :

affectedly rich voice. [Latin: related to

PRUNE

1

]

plumage

/'plu:mid3/

n.

bird's feathers.

[French: related to plume] plumb /pL\m/ -n. lead ball, esp. attached to the end of a line for finding the depth of water or testing whether a wall etc. is vertical, -adv. 1 exactly (plumb in the centre). 2 vertically. 3 US slang quite, utterly (plumb crazy), -adj. vertical, -v. 1 a provide with plumbing, b (often foil, by in) fit as part of a plumbing system, c work as a plumber. 2 sound or test with a plumb. 3 reach or experience (an extreme feeling) (plumb the depths offear). 4 learn in detail the facts about (a matter), z out of plumb not vertical. [Latin plumbum lead]

plumber n.

person who fits and repairs the apparatus of a water-supply, heat-

ing, etc.

plumbing

n. 1 system or apparatus of water-supply etc. 2 work of a plumber. 3 lavatory installations. plumb-line n. line with a plumb

colloq.

attached.

plume /plu:m/ -n.

1

feather, esp. a large

one used for ornament. 2 ornament of feathers etc. worn on a helmet or hat or in the hair. 3 something resembling this (plume of smoke), -v. (-ming) 1 decorate or provide with a plume or plumes. 2 refl. (foil, by on, upon) pride (oneself on esp. something trivial). 3 (of a bird) preen (itself or its feathers). [Latin pluma] plummet /'plAmit/ -n. 1 plumb, plumbline. 2 sounding-line. 3 weight attached to a fishing-line to keep the float upright. -v. (-t-) fall or plunge rapidly. [French: related to plumb] plummy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 abounding or rich in plums. 2 colloq. (of a voice) sounding affectedly rich in tone. 3 colgood, desirable. 1 -adj. full or rounded in shape; fleshy, -v. (often foil, by up, out) make or become plump (plumped up the cushion). plumpness n. [Low German or Dutch plomp blunt] 2 plump -v. 1 (foil, by for) decide on, choose. 2 (often foil, by down) drop or fall abruptly, -n. abrupt or heavy fall. loq.

plump

plum pudding colloq.

DING.

plumy

plumi

(ier,

adj.

plumelike, feathery. plumes.

1

'pL\nda(r) -v. 1 rob or steal, loot. 2 exploit (another person's or common property) for one's own profit, -n. 1 activity of plundering. 2 property so acquired. [German plunder72] plunge —v. (-ging) 1 (usu. foil, by in, intu) a thrust forcefully or abruptly, b dive, c (cause to) enter a condition or embark on a course impetuously (they plunged into marriage; the room was plunged into darkness). 2 immerse completely. 3 a move suddenly and

wartime;

dramatically downward, b (foil, by down, into, etc.) move with a rush (plunged down the stairs). 4 colloq. run up gambling debts, -n. plunging action take the plunge or movement; dive. colloq. take a decisive step. [Romanic: related to plumb]

plunger

part of a mechanism that works with a plunging or thrusting movement. 2 rubber cup on a handle for clearing blocked pipes by a plunging n. 1

and sucking pluperfect

action.

Gram. -adj.

plu:'p3:fikt'

denoting an action comsome past point of time (e.g. he had gone by then). -n. pluperfect tense. [Latin plus quam perfectum more than perfect] plural 'pluar(a)l/ -adj. 1 more than one in number. 2 Gram, (of a word or form) denoting more than one. -n. Gram. 1 plural word or form. 2 plural number. (of a tense)

pleted prior to

[Latin: related to plus]

pluralism

n. 1 form of society embracminority groups and cultural traditions. 2 the holding of more than one office at a time, esp. in the Church. pluralist n. pluralistic listik/ adj.

ing

many

-

plurality

'plua'raeliti/

state of being plural. 2

large number. 4 absolute.

pluralize

n.

(pi

-ies)

= pluralism

US majority

'pluara.laiz/

v.

additional or positive quantity. 3 advantage, -conj. colloq. also; and

furthermore. [Latin, = more]

Usage The

-iest)

adorned with

2

plunder esp. in

PMT

686

with a plump. [Low German or Dutch plompen, imitative] plum pudding n. = Christmas pud -adv.

that (also

is

2.

1

3

not

-ise)

(-zing or -sing) make plural, express in the plural. plus -prep. 1 with the addition of (symbol + ). 2 (of temperature) above zero (plus 2°). 3 colloq. with; having gained; newly possessing, -adj. 1 (after a number) at least (fifteen plus). 2 (after a grade etc.) rather better than (beta plus). 3 Math, positive. 4 having a positive electrical charge. 5 (attrib.) additional, extra, -n. 1 the symbol +. 2

use of plus as a conjuncplus they wanted a meal, is considered incorrect

tion, as in they arrived late,

by some people.

plus-fours

n.pl. men's long wide knickerbockers, [the length was increased by inches to 4 create an overhang] plush -n. cloth of silk or cotton etc., with a long soft nap. -adj. 1 made of plush. 2 colloq. = plushy. plushly adv. plushness n. [Latin: related to

PILE

3 ]

plushy

adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. stylish,

plushiness

luxurious.

Pluto

n.

outermost known planet of the solar system. [Greek Plouton, god of the underworld] /'plu:tau'

plutocracy

n.

plu:'tDkrasi/ n.

(pi. -ies) 1

a government by the wealthy, b State so

governed. 2 wealthy elite. plutocratic -ta'kraetik adj. [Greek ploutos wealth]

plutocrat

'plu:ta,kraet n.

1

member

of

a plutocracy. 2 wealthy person.

plutonic

plu:'tDnik/ adj.

formed as

ig-

neous rock by

solidification below the surface of the earth. [Latin Pluto, god of the underworld]

plutonium

/plu:'tauniam' n. radioactive metallic element. [Pluto, name of a planet] pluvial 'plu:vial/ adj. 1 of rain; rainy 2 Geol. caused by rain. [Latin pluvia rain] ply plai n. (pi. -ies) 1 thickness or layer of cloth or wood etc. 2 strand of yarn or rope etc. [French pli: related to plait] ply 2 /plai, v. (-ies, -ied) 1 use or wield (a tool, weapon, etc.). 2 work steadily at (ply one's trade). 3 (foil, by with) a supply continuously (with food, drink, etc.). b approach repeatedly (with questions, etc.). 4 a (often foil, by between) (of a vehicle etc.) travel regularly to and fro. b work (a route) thus. 5 (of a taxidriver etc.) attend regularly for custom /

.

1

(ply for hire), [from apply] /'plimaG/ n.pl. Calvinistic religious body with no formal creed and no official order of ministers. [Plymouth in Devon]

Plymouth Brethren

plywood

n. strong thin board made by gluing layers of wood with the direction of the grain alternating. abbr. 1 prime minister. 2 post-

PM mortem. Pm symb. p.m.

promethium.

abbr. after noon. [Latin post meri-

diem]

PMS abbr. premenstrual syndrome. PMT abbr. premenstrual tension.

pneumatic pneumatic

1

filled

with air or wind (pneumatic tyre). 2 operated by compressed air (pneumatic [Greek pneuma wind]

drill).

pneumoconiosis

/.njuimao.knni

lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust or small particles. [Greek pneumon lung, konis dust] pneumonia /nju:'maunia/ n. inflammation of one or both lungs. [Greek pneu'ausis/ n.

mon

lung]

PO abbr.

1 Post Office. 2 postal order. 3 Petty Officer. 4 Pilot Officer.

Po po

symb. polonium. /pau/ n.

[from pot

poach

(pi.

-s) colloq.

chamber-pot.

1

]

1

1

v.

cook (an egg) without

its

shell in or over boiling water. 2 cook (fish etc.) by simmering in a small

amount of liquid, poacher 2 pochier. related to poke ]

poach 2

rc.

[French

(also absol.) catch (game or fish) illegally. 2 (often foil, by on) tresv.

1

pass or encroach on (another's property, territory, etc.). 3 appropriate poacher (another's ideas, staff, etc.). n. [earlier poche: related to poach ] pock n. (also pock-mark) small pusfilled spot on the skin, esp. caused by chickenpox or smallpox. pock-marked adj. [Old English] pocket /'pnkit/ -n. 1 small bag sewn into or on clothing, for carrying small articles. 2 pouchlike compartment in a suitcase, car door, etc. 3 one's financial resources (beyond my pocket). 4 isolated group or area (pockets of resistance). 5 cavity in the earth containing ore, esp. gold. 6 pouch at the corner or on the side of a billiard- or snooker-table into which balls are driven. 7 = air pocket. 8 (attrib.) a small enough or intended for carrying in a pocket, b smaller than the usual size. -u. (-t-) 1 put into one's pocket. 2 appropriate, esp. dishonestly. 3 confine as in a pocket. 4 submit to (an injury or affront). 5 conceal or suppress (one's feelings). 6 Billiards etc. drive (a ball) into a pocket. : in pocket having gained in a transaction, in a person's pocket 1 under a person's control. 2 close to or intimate with a person, out of pocket having lost in a transaction. [Anglo-French diminutive: related to 1

POKE 2

notebook. 2 folding case for papers or money carried in a n.

1

pocket.

pocketful n.

pod -n.

long seed-vessel, esp. of a pea or bean. -v. (-dd-) 1 bear or form pods. 2

remove (peas unknown]

podgy

etc.)

from pods,

[origin

/'pod3i/ adj. (-ier, -iest)

and fat.

2

plump,

1

short

podginess

fleshy.

n.

[podge short fat person]' /'paudiam/ n. (pi -s or podia) rostrum. [Greek podion diminutive of pous pod- foot] poem /'pauim/ n. 1 metrical composition, usu. concerned with feeling or imaginative description. 2 elevated composition in verse or prose. 3 something with poetic qualities (a poem in stone). [Greek poieo make] poesy /'pauazi/ n. archaic poetry. [French, ultimately as poem] poet /'paort/ n. (fern, poetess) 1 writer of poems. 2 highly imaginative or expressive person. [Greek poietes: related to

podium

poem]

poetaster poet,

/,paoT'taesta(r)/

n.

inferior

[from poet, Latin -aster derog-

atory suffix]

poetic

/pau'etik/ adj. (also poetical) of

or like poetry or poets. adv.

poetically

poetic justice n. very appropriate punishment or reward, poetic licence n. writer's or artist's transgression of established rules for effect.

Poet Laureate n.

(pi.

Poets Laureate)

poet appointed to write occasions.

poems

for State

poetry

/'paortri/ n. 1 art or work of a poems collectively. 3 poetic or tenderly pleasing quality, [medieval Latin: related to poet] po-faced adj. 1 solemn-faced, humourless. 2 smug, [perhaps from po, influenced by poker-faced]

poet. 2

pogo

/'paugau/ n. (pi. -s) (also pogo stick) stiltlike toy with a spring, used for jumping about on. [origin uncertain]

pogrom

/'pDgram/ n. organized massacre (orig. of Jews in Russia). [Russian] /'pamjant/ adj. 1 painfully sharp to the emotions or senses; deeply

poignant

moving. 2 arousing sympathy. 3 sharp or pungent in taste or smell. 4 pleasantly piquant.

poignancy

n.

poignance

poignantly adv.

n.

[Latin:

related to point]

poinsettia /pom'setia/

]

pocketbook

point

687

/nju:'maetik/ adj.

(pi. -s)

as

much as a pocket

will hold.

pocket knife n. = penknife. pocket money n. money for minor expenses, esp. given to children.

n. plant with large scarlet bracts surrounding small yellow flowers. [Poinsett, name of a diplomat] point -n. 1 sharp or tapered end of a

weapon, pencil, etc. 2 tip or extreme end. 3 that which in geometry has position but not magnitude. 4 partool,

ticular place or position. 5 precise or

point-blank critical

came to the 6 very small mark on it

point, he refused). a surface. 7 dot or other punctuation mark. 8 = decimal point. 9 stage or degree in progress or increase (abrupt to the point of rudeness). 10 temperature at which a change of state occurs (freezing point). 11 single item or particular (explained it point by point). 12 unit of scoring in games or of measuring value etc. 13 significant or essential thing; what is intended or under discus-

sion (the point of my question; get to the point). 14 sense, purpose; advantage, value (saw no point in staying). 15 characteristic (tact is not his strong point). 16 a each of 32 directions marked

round a compass, b corresponding direction towards the horizon. 17 (usu. in pi) pair of movable at equal distances

tapering rails that allow a train to pass line to another. 18 = power point. 19 (usu. in pi.) electrical contact in the distributor of a vehicle. 20 Cricket a fielder on the off side near the batsman, b this position. 21 tip of the toe in ballet. 22 promontory. 23 Cusu. in pi.) extremities of a dog, horse, etc. -v. 1 (usu. foil, by to, at) a direct or aim (a

from one

weapon, etc.). b direct attention. 2 (foil, by at, towards) aim or be directed to. 3 (foil, by to) indicate; be evidence of (it all points to murder). 4 give force to (words or actions). 5 fill the joints of (brickwork) with smoothed mortar or finger,

cement. 6 (also absol.) (of a dog) indicate the presence of (game) by acting as pointer, z at (or on) the point of on the verge of. beside the point irrelevant, in point relevant (the case in point), in point of fact see fact, make a point of insist on (doing etc.); treat or regard as essential; call particular attention to (an action), point out indicate; draw attention to. point up emphasize, to the point relevant; relevantly, up to a point to some extent but not completely. [Latin pungo punct- prickl point-blank -adj. 1 a (of a shot) aimed or fired at very close range, b (of a range) very close. 2 (of a remark etc.) blunt, direct, -adv. 1 at very close range. 2 directly, bluntly. n. traffic control by a police officer, esp. at a road junction. pointed adj. 1 sharpened or tapering to a point. 2 (of a remark etc.) having point; cutting. 3 emphasized, pointedly adv. pointer n. 1 thing that points, e.g. the index hand of a gauge. 2 rod for pointing to features on a chart etc. 3 colloq. hint. 4 dog of a breed that on scenting game stands rigid looking towards it. 5 (in pi.)

point-duty

poke

688

moment (when

two stars

in the Great

Bear in

line with

the pole star.

pointillism

/'pwaenti,liz(a)m/ n. technique of impressionist painting using tiny dots of pure colour which become blended in the viewer's eye. pointillist n. & adj. [French pointiller mark with dots] pointings. 1 cement filling the joints of brickwork. 2 facing produced by this.

pointless

adj. lacking purpose or ineffective, fruitless. point-

meaning;

lessly adv. pointlessness n. n. thing of great importance to one's reputation or con-

point of honour science.

point of no return

n.

point in a

or enterprise at which becomes essential or more practical

journey

it

to

continue to the end.

point of order n. query in a debate etc. as to whether correct procedure followed.

point-of-sale adj. (usu. place at which goods are

point of view a thing

is

is

being

attrib.) of the

retailed.

position from which viewed. 2 way of considering a n. 1

matter.

point-to-point

n.

steeplechase

for

hunting horses.

poise

/poiz/ -n. 1 composure, selfpossession. 2 equilibrium. 3 carriage (of the head etc.). -v. (-sing) 1 balance; hold suspended or supported. 2 be balanced or suspended. [Latin pendo pens- weigh] poised adj. 1 a composed, self-assured, b carrying oneself gracefully or with dignity. 2 (often foil, by for, or to + infin.)

ready for action.

poison /'poiz(a)n/ -n. when introduced into

1

substance that

or absorbed by a organism causes death or injury, esp. one that kills by rapid action even in a small quantity. 2 colloq. harmful living

influence. — v. 1 administer poison to. 2 kill, injure, or infect with poison. 3 treat (a weapon) with poison. 4 corrupt or pervert (a person or mind). 5 spoil or

destroy (a person's pleasure

poisoner

n.

poisonous

adj.

etc.).

[Latin:

related to potion] poison ivy n. N. American climbing plant secreting an irritant oil from its leaves.

poison-pen letter onymous letter.

poke

n.

malicious an-

-v. (-king) 1 a thrust or push with the hand, a stick, etc. b (foil, by out, up, be thrust forward, protrude. 2 (foil, by at etc.) make thrusts. 3 thrust the end of a finger etc. against. 4 (foil, by in) produce (a hole etc. In a thing) by poking. 5 stir (a fire) with a poker. 6 a (often foil, by about, around) potter, b etc.)

1

poke

with. -rc. 1 act of poking. 2 thrust, poke fun at ridicule, poke nudge, one's nose into colloq. pry or intrude into. [German or Dutch] poke 2 n. dial, bag, sack, buy a pig in a poke see pig. [French dial.] poker n. metal rod for stirring a fire. i

i

1

poker 2

n. card-game in which bluff is used as players bet on the value of their hands, [origin unknown] poker-face n. impassive countenance pokerassumed by a poker-player, -faced adj. i

poky /'pauki/ adj.

room pokiness n. a

small and cramped, [from poke ] polar /'paula(r)/ 1 adj. of or near a pole of the earth or of the celestial sphere. 2 having magnetic or electric polarity. 3 directly opposite in character. [Latin: 2 related to pole ] polar bear n. large white bear living in the Arctic regions. polar circle n. each of the circles parallel to the equator at 23° 27' from either i

i

1

pole.

polarity

tendpoint with its extremities to the magnetic poles of the earth, or of a body to lie with its axis in a particular direction. 2 state of having two poles with contrary qualities. 3 state of having two opposite tendencies, opinions, etc. 4 electrical condition of a body (positive or negative). 5 attraction /pa'laeriti/ n. (pi. -ies) 1

ency of a magnet

etc. to

towards an object. polarize /'paula.raiz/

v.

(also -ise) (-zing

or -sing) 1 restrict the vibrations of (light-waves etc.) to one direction. 2 give magnetic or electric polarity to. 3 divide into two opposing groups. polariza1

1

/-'zeij(a)n/ n.

Polaroid

/'paula.roid/ n. propr.

1

mater-

thin sheets polarizing light passing through it. 2 camera with internal processing that produces a print rapidly after each exposure. 3 (in pi.) sunglasses with Polaroid lenses. polder /'paulda(r)/ n. piece of land reclaimed from the sea or a river, esp. in the Netherlands. [Dutch] Pole n. 1 native or national of Poland. 2 person of Polish descent. [German from Polish] pole n. 1 long slender rounded piece of wood, metal, etc., esp. with the end placed in the ground as a support etc. 2 = perch 3. up the pole slang 1 crazy. 2 in difficulty. [Latin palus stake] pole 2 n. 1 (in full north pole, south pole) a each of the two points in the celestial sphere about which the stars ial in

1

1

b each of the ends of the axis of rotation of the earth {North Pole; South Pole). 2 each of the two opposite points on the surface of a magnet at which magnetic forces are strongest. 3 each of two terminals (positive and negative) of an electric cell or battery etc. 4 each of two opposed principles. be poles apart differ greatly. [Greek, = axis]

appear

to revolve,

1

1

Usage The spelling is North Pole and South Pole when used as geographical designations.

i

(-ier, -iest) (of

etc.)

tion

policy

689

by about, into) pry; search. 7 coarse slang have sexual intercourse (foil,

poleaxe

(US -ax) -n. 1 hist. 2 butcher's axe. -v. hit or kill with a poleaxe. 2 (esp. /'paulaeks/

= battleaxe

1.

(-xing) 1 as poleaxed adj.) colloq.

dumbfound, overwhelm. [Low German or Dutch: related to poll, axe]

polecat

/'paulkaet/ n. 1 small brownishmammal of the weasel family. 2 skunk, [origin unknown] US pole-jump var. of pole-vault.

black

polemic /pa'lemik/-n.

1 forceful verbal or written controversy or argument. 2 (in pi.) art or practice of controversial discussion, -adj. (also polemical) involving dispute; controversial. !

polemicist /-sist/

[Greek polemos war] pole star n. 1 star in the Little Bear, near the North Pole in the sky. 2 thing serving as a guide. pole-vault (also pole-jump) -n. vault, or sport of vaulting, over a high bar with the aid of a pole held in the hands, - v. n.

perform this, pole-vaulter n. police /pa'li:s/ -n. (as pi. ) 1 (usu. prec. by i

the) the civil force responsible for

main-

taining public order. 2 its members. 3 force with similar functions (military police), -v. (-cing) 1 keep (a place or people) in order by means of police or a similar body. 2 provide with police. 3 keep in order, administer, control (problem of policing the new law). [Latin: related to policy ] police constable see constable. police dog n. dog, esp. an Alsatian, used in police work. police force n. body of police of a country, district, or town, 1

policeman member of a

n.

(fern,

policewoman)

police force,

police officer

n.

member

of a police

force.

police State n. totalitarian State controlled by political police. police station n. office of a local police force.

policy

1

/'pdIisi/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 course of action adopted by a government, business, individual, etc. 2 prudent conduct; sagacity. [Latin politia polity]

policy Usage policy 2

polling-booth

690

See note at polity.

(pi -ies) 1 contract of insurance. 2 document containing this. [French police, ultimately from Greek apodeixis proof] policyholder n. person or body holding an insurance policy. polio /'pauliau/ n. = poliomyelitis. [abbreviation] /'pdIisi/ n.

poliomyelitis

/.pauliau.maia'laitis/ n.

infectious viral disease of the grey matter of the central nervous system with temporary or permanent paralysis. [Greek polios grey, muelos marrow] Polish /'pauliJV -adj. 1 of Poland. 2 of the Poles or their language, -n. language of Poland. polish /'pdIiJV -v. (often foil, by up) 1 make or become smooth or glossy by rubbing. 2 (esp. as polished adj.) refine or improve; add the finishing touches to. -n. 1 substance used for polishing. 2 smoothness or glossiness produced by friction. 3 refinement, elegance, polish off finish (esp. food) quickly. [Latin polio] polite /pa'lait/ adj. (politer, politest) 1 having good manners; courteous. 2 cultivated, refined. politely adv. politeness n. [Latin politus: related to polish] politic /'politik/ -adj. 1 (of an action) judicious, expedient. 2 (of a person) prudent, sagacious. 3 political (now only in body politic), -v. (-ck-) engage in politics. [Greek: related to polity] political /pa'litik(a)l/ adj. 1 a of or concerning the State or its government, or public affairs generally, b of or engaged in politics. 2 taking or belonging to a side in politics. 3 concerned with seeking power, status, etc. (political decision). politically adv. [Latin: related to politic] political asylum n. State protection given to a political refugee from another

country.

political economy n. the study of the economic aspects of government. political geography n. geography dealing with boundaries and the possessions of States.

political prisoner n. person imprisoned for political reasons. political science n. the study of political activity and systems of government. politician /,pDh'tiJ(a)n/ n. 1 person involved in politics, esp. professionally as an MP. 2 esp. US derog. person who manoeuvres; schemer, time-server. politicize /pa'liti.saiz/ v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing)

character

to.

a give a political b make politically aware. 2 1

politicizaengage in or talk politics. tion y-'zeij(a)n/ n. politico /pa'liti.kau/ n. (pi. -s) colloq. politician or political enthusiast. [Spanish] m

politics

/'pnlitiks/ n.pl. 1 (treated as sing, or pi.) a art and science of governlife and affairs. 2 (usu. treated as pi.) political principles or practice (what are his politics?)- 3 ac-

ment, b public

tivities

concerned with seeking power,

status, etc.

polity

/'pnliti/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 form or process of civil government. 2 organized society; State. [Greek polites citizen,

from polis

Usage

city]

This word

is

sometimes con-

fused with policy.

polka

/'polka/ -n. 1 lively dance of origin. 2 music for this. -v. -kaed /-kad/ or -ka'd, -kaing /-kairj/) dance the polka. [Czech pulka] polka dot n. round dot as one of many forming a regular pattern on a textile

Bohemian (-kas,

fabric etc.

poll

/paul/ -/j.1a (often in pi.) voting or the counting of votes at an election (go to the polls), b result of voting or number of votes recorded. 2 = opinion poll. 3 human head. -v. 1 a take the vote or votes of. b receive (so many votes), c give (a vote). 2 record the opinion of (a person or group) in an opinion poll. 3 cut off the top of (a tree or plant), esp. make a pollard of. 4 (esp. as polled adj.) cut the horns off (cattle), [perhaps from Low German or Dutch]

pollack /'polak/ n. (also pollock) (pi. same or -s) edible marine fish related to the cod. [origin unknown] pollard /'pnlad/ -n. 1 animal that has lost or cast its horns; ox, sheep, or goat

of a

hornless

breed.

tree

2

whose

branches have been cut back to encourage the dense growth of young branches, -v. [from poll]

pollen

make

(a tree) a pollard,

/'pnlan/ n. fine dustlike grains

discharged from the male part of a flower, each containing the fertilizing element. [Latin] pollen count n. index of the amount of pollen in the air, published as a warning to hay fever sufferers. pollinate /'pnli.neit/ v. (-ting) (also absol.) convey pollen to or sprinkle (a

stigma) with /-'neiJXa)n/ n.

polling

n.

pollen.

pollinator

pollination n.

registering or casting of

votes.

polling-booth n. compartment in which a voter stands to mark the ballotpaper.

•olling-day olling-day

n.

polytechnic

881

election day.

•olling-station n. building, often a school, used for voting at an election, tollock var. of pollack. idlster n. person who organizes an opinion poll. 10II tax n. 1 informal « community charge. 2 hist, tax levied on every

—n. polyglot tongue]

[Greek

person.

polygonal

angles.

/pa'hgan(a)l/ adj.

[Greek -gonos angled]

polygraph reading

/'pDli,gra:f/ n.

machine

pollutant adj. & n. polluter n. pure, pollution n. [Latin polluo -lut] >olo /'paulau/ n. game like hockey played on horseback with a longhandled mallet. [Balti, - ball] »olonaise /.pnla'neiz/ n. 1 slow dance of Polish origin. 2 music for this. [French:

polygyny /pa'lid3ini/ which a man has more polygynous gune woman]

n.

polygamy

polyhedron

/,pDli'hi:dran/ n. (pi. -dra) solid figure with many (usu. more than polyhedral adj. [Greek six) faces.

hedra base]

polymath /'poli,mae0/ n.

person of great

or varied learning. [Greek

high round turned-over collar. 2 sweater with this.

math- learn]

n. 1

>olonium

/pa'launiam/ n. radioactive metallic element, occurring naturally in uranium ores, [medieval Latin Polonia Poland] poltergeist /'pDlta.gaist/ n. noisy mischievous ghost, esp. one causing phys-

JOltroon /pDl'tru:n/ poltroonery ard,

n. n.

spiritless cow[Italian poltro

sluggard]

M)ly

/'pdIi/ n. (pi. -s) colloq.

polytechnic,

[abbreviation]

joly- comb, form 1 many (polygamy). 2 polymerized (polyunsaturated; polyester). [Greek polus many]

polyandry /'poli.aendri/ n. polygamy in which a woman has more than one husband. polyandrous /-'aendras/ adj.

/.pnli'aeneas/

n.

(pi.

-thuses) flowering plant cultivated from hybridized primulas. [Greek

anthos flower] /.pDlikrao'maetik/ adj.

many-coloured. 2 (of radiation) conmore than one wavelength,

taining

polychromatism

/-'krauma tiz(a)m/ n. -adj. in -n. polychrome work of art. [Greek: related to poly-, chrome] polyester /,pDli'esta(r)/ n. synthetic fibre or resin. polyethene /'pDli,e0i:n/ n. = polythene. polyethylene /,pnli'e8i,li:n/ n. = polythene. polygamy /pa'ligami/ n. practice of having more than one wife or (less usu.) husband at once. polygamist n.

polychrome many colours,

1

/'puli.kraom/

'

polygamous

adj.

[Greek gamos mar-

riage]

polyglot

compound

/'pDlima(r)/ n.

of

polymeric /-'menk/ adj. polymerize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing), polymerization /-'zeij(a)n/ n. lecules,

many parts] pDli'mo:fas/ adj. (also

[Greek polumeros having /

(

polymorphic) passing through various forms ment.

in successive stages of develop-

polynomial

/,pDli'naomial/-/2. expression of more than two algebraic terms. -adj. of or being a polynomial, [from POLY-, BINOMIAL]

polyp

/'pDlip/ n. 1

simple organism with

a tube-shaped body. 2 small usu. benign growth on a mucous membrane. [Greek

pous

foot] /pa'lifani/ n. (pi. -ies)

contrapuntal

Mus.

music, polyphonic [Greek phone sound] i

/.pDli'fnnik/ adj.

polypropene

n.

=

/,pDli'praupi,li:n/

n.

/,pDli'praupi:n/

POLYPROPYLENE.

polychromatic 1

manthano

one or more large molecules formed from repeated units of smaller mo-

polyphony

[Greek aner andr- male]

polyanthus

polymer

polymorphous

damage. [German]

in

than one wife. [Greek

/pa'lid3inas/ adj.

related to Pole]

ical

for

characteristics

physiological

(e.g. pulse-rate); lie-detector,

adult.

lollute /pa'lu:t/ v. (-ting) 1 contaminate (the environment). 2 make foul or im-

>olo-neck

glotta

polygon /'pDligan, -.gmi/ n. figure with many (usu. five or more) sides and

/'poli.glDt/ -adj. knowing, using, or written in several languages.

polypropylene

any polymer of propylene, including thermoplastic materials used for films, fibres, or moulding materials.

polysaccharide

/.polisaeka.raid/

n.

any of a group of complex carbohydrates,

e.g.

polystyrene

starch, [see saccharin] /.poli'staia.rLn/

n.

a

polymer of styrene, a kind of hard plastic, often foamed for packaging, [styrene from Greek sturax a resin] polysyllabic /.polisi'laebik/ adj. 1 having many syllables. 2 using words of many syllables, [medieval Latin from Greek]

polysyllable

/'pDli,silab(a)l/

n.

poly-

syllabic word.

polytechnic

/.poli'teknik/ —n. college offering courses in many (esp. vocational) subjects up to degree level, -adj.

polytheism

polytheism

pDli0i:,iz(a)m

or worship of

n.

more than one

polytheist n. polytheistic [Greek theos god]

polythene

poll hv.n

belief in god.

-istik adj.

a tough light

n.

[from polyethylene]

plastic,

polyunsaturated adj.

.reitid

(of a fat or oil)

homosexual or effeminate man. -v. f-cing) 3 c OS a ponce. ponce about I

move about effeminately unknown]

having a

reaction and not contributing accumulation of cholesterol

to the in

the

,pnli'jo9ra,Qem n. synthetic resin or plastic used esp. in paints or foam, [related to urea, ethane]

vamil

poll

n.

a

vinyl plastic used for electrical insulation or as a fabric etc.; PVC. n. Austral. & slang offens. = Pommy, [abbreviation]

Pom

NZ

pomace

'pAmis n. crushed apples in cider-making. [Latin pomum apple] pomade pa'ma:d n. scented ointment for the hair and head. [Italian: related to

pomace]

pomander pamaend^n

n.

1

ball of

mixed aromatic substances. 2 container for this. [Anglo-French from medieval Latin] pomegranate pomi groverty

power

>overty line n. minimum income needed for the necessities of life. verty-stricken adj. very poor. verty trap n. situation in which an increase of income incurs a loss of State benefits, making real improvement im-

power of attorney n.

/'povati/ n. 1 being poor; want. 2 (often foil, by of in) scarcity or lack. 3 inferiority, poorness. [Latin pauper]

i

1

practice

699

possible.

!>OW

abbr. prisoner of war. expressing the sound of a blow or explosion, [imitative] powder -n. 1 mass of fine dry particles. 2 medicine or cosmetic in this form. 3 = gunpowder, -v. 1 apply powder to. 2 (esp. as powdered adj.) reduce to a fine powdery powder {powdered milk). \adj. [Latin pulvis -ver- dust] powder blue adj. & n. (as adj. often hyphenated) pale blue.

|>ow

int.

n. soft pad for applying Ipowder to the skin, esp. the face. |»owder-room n. euphem. women's lavatory in a public building, [tower -rc. 1 ability to do or act. 2 particular faculty of body or mind. 3 a Influence, authority, b ascendancy, control {the party in power). 4 authoriza-

|>owder-puff

tion; delegated authority. 5 influential (person, body, or thing. 6 State having vigour, 7 influence. International [energy. 8 active property or function WJheating power). 9 colloq. large number jpr amount {did me a power of good). 10 capacity for exerting mechanical force |pr doing work {horsepower). 11 (often MttriZ?.) [lis

mechanical or electrical energy from manual labour. 12 a

distinct

Bplectricity supply, b particular

source

form of energy {hydroelectric power). 3 Physics rate of energy output. 14

[|>r [ill

when a number is [multiplied by itself a certain number of llimes (2 to the power of 3 = 8). 15 [magnifying capacity of a lens. 16 deity. Wr-v. 1 supply with mechanical or elecIrical energy. 2 (foil, by up, down) inIprease or decrease the power supplied the l:o (a device); switch on or off. Ibowers that be thoseinauthority. [Latin Ibosse be able] (product obtained

:

powerboat

powerful motor boat, temporary withdrawal or

n.

lower cut n.

line n. conductor supplying electrical power, esp. one supported by pylons or poles.

powerplant

n. 1

= power station. 2

i)erson or thing of great energy, powerless adj. 1 without power. 2 I vholly unable,

powerlessness

n.

which

pro-

socket in a wall etc. for connecting an electrical device to the mains. power-sharing n. coalition government, esp. as preferred on principle. power station n. building where electrical power is generated for distribution.

powwow

-n. meeting for discussion

among N. American Indians), a powwow. [Algonquian]

(orig.

hold

pox

n.

1

-v.

virus disease leaving pock-

marks. 2 colloq. = syphilis, [alteration of pocks pi. of POCK]

poxy adj.

(-ier, -iest) 1

infected by pox. 2

slang of poor quality; worthless. pp abbr. pianissimo.

pp. abbr. pages. p.p. abbr. (also pp) per pro. abbr. parts per million. PPS abbr. 1 Parliamentary Private Sec-

ppm

retary. 2 additional postscript, [sense 2 from post-postscript] abbr. 1 public relations. 2 proportional representation.

PR

Pr symb. praseodymium. pr. abbr. pair.

practicable

/'praektikab(9)l/ adj.

1

that

can be done or used. 2 possible in practice. practicability /-'biliti/ n. [French: related to practical]

practical /'praektik(a)l/ -adj. 1 of or concerned with practice rather than theory {practical

difficulties). 2 suited

to use; functional {practical shoes). 3 (of a person) good at making, organizing, or mending things. 4 sensible, realistic. 5 that is such in effect, virtual (in practical control), -n. practical examination or lesson. practicality /-'kaeliti/ n. {pi. -ies).

[Greek praktikos from pras-

50 do]

practical joke n. humorous trick played on a person. practically adv. 1 virtually, almost. 2 in a practical

way.

practice

/'praektis/ -n. 1 habitual action or performance. 2 a repeated

a

fulness n. IjOwerhouse

installation

power point n.

activity

having much power or powerfully adv. power-

n.

vides power.

lowerful

adj.

and financial

matters.

failure of an electric power supply, Influence.

authority to act

for another person in legal

undertaken in order to improve b session of this. 3 action as opposed to theory. 4 the work, business, skill,

or place of business of a doctor, lawyer, etc. (has a practice in town). 5 procedure, esp. of a specified kind (bad practice), -v. US var. of practise. in practice 1 when actually applied; in

practise from recent practice, out of practice lacking a former skill from lack of practice, [from practise] practise 'praektis/ v. (US practice) (-sing or US -cing) 1 perform habitually; carry out in action. 2 do repeatedly as an exercise to improve a skill; exercise oneself in or on (an activity requiring skill). 3 (as practised adj.) reality. 2 skilful

experienced, expert. 4 (also absol.) be

engaged

in (a profession, religion, etc.). [Latin: related to practical] praek'tijanafr) n. person practising a profession, esp. medicine.

practitioner

praenomen

prii'naomen

ancient

n.

Roman's first or personal name (e.g. Marcus Tullius Cicero). [Latin: related tO P.RE-, NOMEN]

praesidium

var. of presidum. n. ancient Roman 'pri:ta(r) magistrate below consul. [Latin] praetorian guard pru'toxian/ n. bodyguard of the ancient Roman emperor. pragmatic praeg'maetik adj. dealing with matters from a practical point of view, z pragmatically adv. [Greek pragma -mat- deed]

praetor

pragmatism

'praegm8,tiz(a)m

n.

1

pragmatic attitude or procedure. 2 philosophy that evaluates assertions solely by "their practical consequences and bearing on human interests, r pragmatist n. [Greek pragma', related to pragmatic] prairie 'preari n. large area of treeless grassland, esp. in N. America. [Latin

pratum meadow] prairie dog n. N. American rodent making a barking sound. prairie oyster n. seasoned raw egg, swallowed without breaking the yolk. prairie wolf n. = coyote. praise preiz -v. (-sing) 1 express

warm approval or admiration

of.

2 glor-

(God) in words, -n. praising; commendation. [French preisier from Latin pretium price] ify

praiseworthy

adj.

praline 'pra:li:n browning nuts

worthy of praise, sweet made by

n.

in

boiling

sugar.

[French]

pram

four-wheeled conveyance for a baby, pushed by a person on foot, n.

[abbreviation of perambulator] pra:ns -v. (-cing) 1 (of a horse) raise the forelegs and spring from the hind legs. 2 walk or behave in an elated

prance

arrogant manner, -n. prancing, prancing movement, [origin unknown] prang slang - v. 1 crash (an aircraft or vehicle). 2 damage by impact. 3 bomb (a target) successfully. -n. act of pranging, or

[imitative]

prearrange

TOO

prank

practical joke; piece of mischief, [origin unknown] prankster n. practical joker. n.

praseodymium

.preizia'dimiam n. element of the lanthanide series. [Greek prasios green] prat n. slang 1 fool. 2 buttocks, [origin soft silvery metallic

unknown] prate -v. (-ting) 1 chatter; talk too much. 2 talk foolishly or irrelevantly.

German

-n. prating; idle talk. [Low

or

Dutch]

prattle

chatter in a childish or inconsequential way. -n. childish or inconsequential chatter. [Low German prate len: related to prate] prawn n. edible shellfish like a large 'praet(a)l/ -v. (-ling)

shrimp, [origin unknown] v. (often foil, by for or to - infin. or that + clause) 1 say prayers; make devout supplication. 2 a entreat, b ask earnestly (prayed to be released). 3 (as imper.) archaic please (pray tell me).

pray

[Latin precor]

prayer

1

'prea(r) n. 1 a request or thanksgiving to God or an object of worship, b formula used in praying (the Lord's Prayer), c act of praying, d re-

ligious

service

consisting

largely

of

prayers (morning prayer). 2 entreaty to a person. [Latin: related to precarious] prayer 2 'preia(r) n. person who prays.

prayer-book n. book prayer-mat n. small

of set prayers. carpet on which Muslims kneel to pray. prayer-wheel n. revolving cylindrical box inscribed with or containing prayers, used esp. by Tibetan Buddhists.

praying mantis pre- prefix before

importance).

or

degree, before]

preach

see mantis. (in time, place, order,

[Latin prae

(also absol.) deliver (a sermon); proclaim or expound (the gospel etc.). 2 give moral advice in an v.

1

obtrusive way. 3 advocate or inculcate preacher (a quality or practice etc.). n. [Latin praedico proclaim] preamble pri:'aemb(8)l n. 1 preliminary statement. 2 introductory part of a statute or deed etc. [Latin: related to

amble]

pre-amp

'pri:aemp

n.

=

preampli-

fier, [abbreviation] preamplifier pri:'aempli,fai8(r)/

n.

electronic device that amplifies a weak signal (e.g. from a microphone or pickup) and transmits it to a main amplifier. prearrange ,pri:8'remd3/ v. (-ging) arrange beforehand, z prearrangement n.

prebend prebend

preclinical

701

uncer-

excluded. 3 (in pi) environs. [Latin praecingo -cinct- encircle] /.preJi'Dsiti/ n. affected refinement in art etc., esp. in the choice of words, [related to precious] precious /'pre Jas/ -adj. 1 of great value or worth. 2 beloved; much prized {precious memories). 3 affectedly refined. 4 colloq. often iron, a considerable (a precious lot of good), b expressing contempt or disdain {keep your precious flowers!), -adv. colloq. extremely, very

dependent on chance. 2 insecure, precariously adv. precariousness n. [Latin precarius: related to

precious{had precious little left). ness n. [Latin pretium price] precious metals n.pl. gold, silver, and

/'preband/

n.

1

stipend of a

canon or member of chapter. 2 portion from which this is prebendal /pn'bend(a)l/ adj. drawn. of land or tithe

[Latin praebeo grant] /'prebandari/ n. {pi. -ies) holder of a prebend; honorary canon, [medieval Latin: related to prebend] Precambrian /pri:'kaembrian/ Geol. -adj. of the earliest geological era. -n.

prebendary

this era.

precarious

/pri'kearias/ adj.

1

tain;

perilous.

platinum.

PRAY]

precast

/pri:'ka:st/

adj.

(of concrete)

cast in its final shape before positioning. action /pn'kD:JXa)n/ n. taken beforehand to avoid risk or en-

precaution

sure a good result, c precautionary caution] precede /pn'si:d/ v. (-ding) 1 come or go before in time, order, importance, etc. 2 (foil, by by) cause to be preceded. [Latin: related to cede] adj. [Latin: related to

precedence

/'presid(a)ns/ n. 1 priority

in time, order, importance, etc. 2 right of

take precedence have priority

preceding others. (often (over).

foil,

by

over, of)

precedent

-n. /'president/ previous case etc. taken as a guide for subsequent cases or as a justification, -adj. /pri'si:d(a)nt, 'presi-/ preceding in time, order, importance, etc. [French: related

to

traffic is

preciosity

precede]

precentor

/pn'senta(r)/ n. person

who

leads the singing or (in a synagogue) the prayers of a congregation. [Latin praecentor from cano sing] precept /'pri:sept/ n. 1 rule or guide, esp. for conduct. 2 lawful demand, esp. from one authority to another to levy rates. [Latin praeceptum maxim, order] preceptor /pn'septa(r)/ n. teacher, instructor. preceptorial /,pri: sep'tDTial/ adj. [Latin: related to precept] precession /pn'sej(a)n/ n. slow movement of the axis of a spinning body around another axis. [Latin: related to

precede]

precession of the equinoxes

n.

1

slow retrograde motion of equinoctial points along the ecliptic. 2 resulting earlier occurrence of equinoxes in each successive sidereal year.

pre-Christian

/pri:'knstj(a)n/

adj.

before Christianity.

precinct /'pri:sinkt/ n. 1 enclosed area, e.g. around a cathedral, college, etc. 2 designated area in a town, esp. where

precious stone

n. piece of mineral of great value, esp. as used in jewellery, /'presipis/ n. 1 vertical or steep face of a rock, cliff, mountain, etc. 2 dangerous situation. [Latin praeceps

precipice

-cipit-

headlong]

precipitate -v.

(-ting) /pn'sipi.teit/

1

hasten the occurrence of; cause to occur prematurely. 2 (foil, by into) send rapidly into a certain state or condition {was precipitated into war). 3 throw down headlong. 4 Chem. cause (a substance) to be deposited in solid form from a solution. 5 Physics condense (vapour) into drops and so deposit it. -adj. /pn'sipitat/ 1 headlong; violently hurried {precipitate departure). 2 (of a person or act) hasty, rash. -n. /pn'sipitat/ 1 Chem. substance precipitated from a solution. 2 Physics moisture condensed from vapour, e.g. rain,

dew.

precipitation

/pn,sipi'teij(a)n/

n.

1

precipitating or being precipitated. 2 rash haste. 3 a rain or snow etc. falling to the ground, b quantity of this. precipitous /pn'sipitas/ adj. 1 a of or like a precipice, b dangerously steep. 2

= precipitate adj. precis /'preisi:/ -n. {pi. same summary, abstract, -v. (-cises -cised precis

-cising [French]

/-si:d/;

of.

/-si:in/)

/-si:z/) /-si:z/;

make

a

precise

/pn'sais/ adj. 1 a accurately expressed, b definite, exact. 2 punctilious; scrupulous in being exact. [Latin praecido cut short] precisely adv. 1 in a precise manner; exactly. 2 (as a reply) quite so, as you say.

precision

/pn'si3(a)n/ n. 1 accuracy. 2 degree of refinement in measurement etc. 3 {attrib.) marked by or adapted for

precision {precision instruments). /pri:'klmik(a)l/ adj. of the first, chiefly theoretical, stage of a medical education.

preclinical

preclude /pn'klu:d/ v. (-ding) 1 (foil, by from) prevent. 2 make impossible. [Latin praecludo: related to close ] precocious /pri'kaujas/ adj. 1 often derog. (of esp. a child) prematurely developed in some respect. 2 (of an action etc.) indicating such development. precociously adv. precociousness n. precocity /-'kDSiti/ n. [Latin praecox cocis early ripe] precognition /.prrkog'niJXaW n. supposed foreknowledge, esp. of a supernatural kind. preconceive /,pri:kan'si:v/ v. (-ving) form (an idea or opinion etc.) before1

predicative

1 Gram. an adjective or noun) forming or

(of

preconception

/.priikan'sepj^n/

n.

contained in the predicate, as old in the is old. 2 that predicates. [Latin: related to predicate] /pn'dikt/ v. (often foil, by that)

predict

[Latin praedico

predictable or

is to

dition that

precursor

/,pri:kan'dij(a)n/ n. con-

must be

advance. a forerun-

fulfilled in

/pri:'k3:sa(r)/ n. 1

ner, b person who precedes in office etc. 2 harbinger. [Latin praecurro -curs- run before] predate /prii'deit/ v. (-ting) precede in time. predator /'predata(r)/ n. predatory animal. [Latin] predatory adj. 1 (of an animal) preying naturally upon others. 2 plundering or exploiting others. predecease /,pri:di'si:s/ v. (-sing) die earlier than (another person).

predecessor /'pri:di,sesa(r)/ n. 1 former holder of an office or position with respect to a later holder. 2 ancestor. 3 thing to which another has succeeded. [Latin decessor. related to decease] predestine /pri:'destm/ v. (-ning) 1 determine beforehand. 2 ordain in advance by divine will or as if by fate.

predestination /-'neiJXa)n/ n. [French or Church Latin: related to pre-]

predetermine 1

/,pri:di't3:min/

predicament

/pri'dikamant/ n. diffior unpleasant situation. [Latin: related to predicate] predicant /'predikant/ hist. -adj. (of a religious order) engaged in preaching. —n. predicant person, esp. a Dominican. [Latin: related to predicate] cult

predicate

-v. 1 /'predi.keit/ (also absol.) assert (something) about the subject of a proposition. 2 (foil, by on) found or base (a statement etc.) on. -n. /'predikat/ Gram. & Logic what is said about the subject of a sentence or proposition etc. (e.g. went home in John

went home). predicable/'predikab(a)l/ predication /-'keiJXa)n/ n. [Latin

praedico dicat- declare]

adj. that

be expected.

/-'biliti/ n.

n.

-diet- foretell]

can be predicted predictability

predictably adv.

prediction

/pn'dikJXa)n/

n.

predict-

1

ing or being predicted. 2 thing predicted.

predilection /.prrdi'lekJXaW

n.

(often

by for) preference or special

liking.

[Latin praediligo prefer] /,pri:di'spauz/

v.

(-sing)

1

influence favourably in advance. 2 (foil, by to, or to + infin.) render liable or inclined beforehand. predisposition /-pa'ziJXa)n/ n.

predominant

/predominant/ adj. 1 predominating. 2 being the strongest or main element. predominance n.

predominantly

predominate 1

adv. /pn'domi.neit/

v.

(-ting)

by over) have control. 2 be

(foil,

main

superior. 3 be the strongest or

element.

pre-echo

/pri:'ekau/ n. (pi. -es) 1 faint copy heard just before an actual sound in a recording, caused by the accidental transfer of signals. 2 foreshadowing.

pre-embryo /pri:'embnau/ n. (pi. -s) potential human embryo in the first fourteen days after fertilization.

pre-eminent

adj. 1 /pri:'eminant/ excelling others. 2 outstanding. pre-eminence n. pre-eminently adv.

pre-empt

/pri:'empt/ v. 1 a forestall, b appropriate in advance. 2 obtain by preemption, [back-formation from preemption]

v.

decree beforehand. 2 pre-

adj.

predictor

prophesy.

foretell,

predispose

preconceived idea, prejudice.

precondition

/pri'dikativ/ adj.

dog

foil,

hand.

(-ning) destine.

prefab

702

preclude

Usage Pre-empt is sometimes used to mean prevent, but this is considered incorrect in standard English.

pre-emption

/pri:'empJXa)n/ n. purchase or taking by one person or party before the opportunity is offered to others, [medieval Latin emo empt- buy]

pre-emptive

/pri:'emptiv/ adj.

1

pre-

empting. 2 (of military action) intended to prevent attack by disabling the

enemy.

preen v.

1

(of a bird) tidy (the feathers or

with its beak. 2 (of a person) smarten or admire (oneself, one's hair, clothes, etc.). 3 (often foil, by on) conitself)

gratulate

or

pride

unknown] prefab /'pri:faeb/ n.

(oneself),

[origin

colloq. prefabricated

building, [abbreviation]

prefabricate prefabricate

(-ting)

v.

manufacture sections of fa building etc.) prior to their assembly on site.

preface

'prefas -n.

book stating

its

preliminary part 1 (foil, by with) speech or event). with a preface. 3

up

to (another), [Latin praefatio]

1

introduction to a

subject, scope, etc. 2 of a speech, -u. (-cing) introduce or begin (a 2 provide (a

book

etc.)

an event etc.) lead prefatory /-tan/ adj.

(of

prefect

'pri:fekt n. 1 chief administrative officer of a district, esp. in France. 2 senior pupil in a school, helping to maintain discipline. [Latin praeficio feet- set in authority over]

prefecture 'pri:fektja(r) under the government of

n.

1

district

a prefect. 2 prefect's office or tenure. [Latin: related to

PREFECT]

prefer to,

or

pn'f3:(r) to

-

v.

(-rr-)

1

(often

foil,

by

infin.) like better (prefers

coffee to tea). 2

submit (information, an

accusation, etc.) for consideration. 3 promote or advance (a person). [Latin praefero -lat-]

preferable 'prefarab(a)l ferred; more desirable.

adj. to

be pre-

preferably

adv.

preference

'prefarans n. 1 preferring or being preferred. 2 thing preferred. 3 favouring of one person etc. before others. 4 prior right, esp. to the payment of debts. in preference to as a thing preferred over (another). preference shares n.pl. (also preference stock n.sing.) shares or stock whose entitlement to dividend takes precedence over that of ordinary shares.

preferential

,prefa'renf(a)l adj. 1 of or involving preference. 2 giving or receiving a favour. preferentially adv. preferment pri'f3:mant n. formal promotion to a higher office. prefigure pri:'figa(r) v. formal (-ring) represent or imagine beforehand. prefix pri:fiks -n. 1 verbal element placed at the beginning of a word 10 qualify its meaning (e.g. ex-, non-). 2 title before a name (e.g. Mr), -v. (often foil, by to) 1 add as an introduction. 2 join (a word or element) as a prefix. pregnant 'pregnant adj. 1 having a child or young developing in the uterus. 2 full of meaning; significant; suggestive (a pregnant pause). pregnancy n. (pi -ies). [Latin praegnans]

preheat pri:'hi:t v. heat beforehand, prehensile pri:'hensail adj.Zool.iofa. tail

or limb) capable of grasping. [Latin -hens- grasp]

prehendo

premedication

703

pri:'faebri,keit

prehistoric

1 of the period before written records. 2 colloq. prehistory utterly out of date.

.priihi'stonk/ adj.

/-'histan/ n.

prejudge

pri:'d3Ad3/

v.

(-ging)

premature judgement on

(a

form a person,

issue, etc.).

prejudice

'pred3udis -n. 1 a preconceived opinion, b (foil, by against, in

of) bias, partiality. 2 harm that results or may result from some action or judgement (to the prejudice of), -v. (-cing) 1 impair the validity or force of (a right, claim, statement, etc.). 2 (esp. as prejudiced adj.) cause (a person) to have a prejudice, without prejudice (often foil, by to) without detriment (to an existing right or claim). [Latin: related to judge] prejudicial ,pred3u'dij(a)l/ adj. (often foil, by to) causing prejudice; detri-

favour

mental.

prelacy

"prelasi n. (pi. -ies) 1 church prelates. 2 (prec. by the) prelates collectively. 3 office or rank of prelate. [Anglo-French from medieval Latin: related to prelate] prelate /'prelat/ n. high ecclesiastical dignitary, e.g. a bishop. [Latin: related

government by

to prefer]

prelim

'pri:lim, n. colloq. 1

preliminary

university examination. 2 (in pi.) pages preceding the main text of a book, [abbreviation] preliminary /pri'limman/ -adj. introductory, preparatory. -n. (pi. -ies) (usu. in pi.) 1 preliminary action or arrangement (dispense with the preliminaries). 2 preliminary trial or contest. [Latin limen threshold] prelude 'prelju:d/ -n. (often foil, by to) 1 action, event, or situation serving as an introduction. 2 introductory part of a poem etc. 3 Mus. a introductory piece to a fugue, suite, etc. b short piece of a similar type. -v. (-ding) 1 serve as a prelude to. 2 introduce with a prelude. [Latin ludo lus- play]

premarital

pri:'maerit(a)l/ adj. exist-

ing or (esp. of sexual relations) occurring before marriage. premature prematja(r), -'tjua(r)/ adj. 1 a occurring or done before the usual or proper time (a premature decision). b too hasty. 2 (of a baby) born (esp. three or more weeks) before the end of prematurely gestation. adv. [Latin: related to pre-, mature] ,

premed

pri:'med, n. colloq. = premedication, [abbreviation] ,pri:medi'keij(a)n/ n. medication to prepare for an operation

premedication etc.

premeditate premeditate

Pre-Raphaelite

704 (-ting)

preparation

think out or plan beforehand (premeditated murder). premeditation /-'teij(a)n/ n. [Latin: related to meditate] premenstrual /premenstrual/ adj. of the time shortly before each menstrua-

/,prepa'reij(8)n/ n. 1 preparing or being prepared. 2 (often in pi.) something done to make ready. 3 specially prepared substance. 4 = prep. preparatory /pri'paeratari/ -adj. (often foil, by to) serving to prepare; introductory, -adv. (often foil, by to) in

tion (premenstrual tension). ,'premi9(r)/ -n. prime minister or other head of government, -adj. first in importance, order, or time.

a preparatory manner (was packing preparatory to departure). preparatory school n. private prim ary school or US secondary school.

/pri:'medi,teit/

v.

premier

premiership

premiere

n.

[French, =

prepare /pri'pea(r)/

first]

/'premi,ea(r)/ -n.

per-

first

formance or showing of a play or film. -v. (-ring) give a premiere of. [French feminine: related to premier] premise /'premis/ n. 1 Logic = premiss. 2 (in pi.) a house or other building with its grounds, outbuildings, etc. b Law houses, lands, or tenements previously specified in a document etc. on the premises in the building etc. concerned. [Latin praemissa set in front] premiss /'premis/ n. Logic previous statement from which another ferred, [var. of premise]

is

in-

paid for a contract of insurance. 2 sum added to interest, wages, price, etc. 3 reward or prize. 4 (attrib.) (of a commodity) of the best quality and therefore more expensive, z at a premium 1 highly valued; above the usual or nominal price. 2 scarce and in demand.

praemium reward]

Premium Bond

n.

(also

Premium

Savings Bond) government security without interest but with a draw for cash prizes. n. (in full premolar tooth) tooth between the canines and molars.

premolar /pri:'maula(r)/ premonition

/,prem8'nij(8)n/

n.

fore-

warning; presentiment, z premonit-

ory /pri'mDnitan/

adj.

[Latin

moneo

warn] of the period

before childbirth. /pri:'Dkju,pai/ v. (-ies, -ied) (of a thought etc.) dominate the mind of (a person) to the exclusion of all else. 2 1

preoccupied otherwise adj.) engrossed; mentally distracted, z preoccupation /-'peij(a)n/ n. [Latin praeoccupo seize beforehand] preordain /,pri:D:'dem/ v. ordain or determine beforehand. (as

colloq.

1

readi-

prepay

/pri:'pei/ v. (past

and past part.

prepaid) 1 pay (a charge) in advance. 2 pay postage on (a letter etc.) before

preplan

prepayment /pri:'plaen/

v.

n.

(-nn-) plan in

advance.

preponderate

/pn'ponda.reit/ v. (-ting) (often foil, by over) be greater in influence, quantity, or number; pre-

dominate, z preponderance

ponderant

adj.

[Latin

n.

pre-

pondus

-der-

weight]

preposition n. /,prep8'zil(a)n/ Gram, word governing (and usu. preceding) a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word, as in: 'the man on the platform', 'came after dinner', 'went by train', z prepositional adj. [Latin praepono posit- place before]

prepossess

/,pri:pa'zes/ v. 1 (usu. in passive) (of an idea, feeling, etc.) take possession of (a person). 2 a prejudice (usu. favourably and spontaneously), b

prepossessing

adj.)

attractive,

appealing, z prepossession /-'zej(8)n/ n.

preoccupy

n.

n.

ness, esp. for war.

(as

prenatal /pri:'neit(9)l/ adj.

prep

paro make ready] preparedness /pn'peandnis/

posting, z

premium /"pri:miam/ n. 1 amount to be

[Latin

v. (-ring) 1 make or get ready for use, consideration, etc. 2 assemble (a meal etc.). 3 a make (a person or oneself) ready or disposed in some way (prepared them for a shock). b get ready (prepare to jump), z be prepared (often foil, by for, or to + infin.) be disposed or willing to. [Latin

homework,

esp.

boarding-schools. 2 period when this done, [abbreviation of preparation]

in is

prepack

pri:'paek/ v. (also pre-package /-•p33kid3/) pack (goods) on the site of

production or before

retail.

prepaid past and past part,

of prepay.

preposterous

/pn'postaras/ adj. 1 utterly absurd; outrageous. 2 contrary to nature, reason, or sense, z preposterously adv. [Latin, = before behind] preppy n. (pi -ies) US colloq. student of an expensive private school or similarlooking person, [from prep] 1 = foreskin. 2 surrounding the clitoris. [Latin praeputium]

prepuce

/'pri:pju:s/ n.

fold of skin

Pre-Raphaelite

member

/pri:'raefa,lait/

-n.

of a group of 19th-c. artists emulating Italian art before the time of Raphael, -adj. 1 of the Pre-Raphaelites. 2 (pre-Raphaelite) (esp. of a woman) a type painted by the Prelike

pre-record Raphaelites

with long thick curly

(e.g.

auburn hair). pre-record /,pri:n'ko:d/

u.

-adj. required as a precondition, —n. prerequisite thing.

Usage

/pri:'rekwizit/

Prerequisite

is

sometimes

confused with perquisite which means 'an extra profit, allowance, or right'.

prerogative

/pn'rogativ/ n. right or privilege exclusive to an individual or class. [Latin praerogo ask first] Pres. abbr. President. presage /'presid3/ -n. 1 omen, portent. 2 presentiment, foreboding, -v. (-ging) 1 portend, foreshadow. 2 give warning of (an event etc.) by natural means. 3 (of a person) predict or have a presentiment of. [Latin praesagium] presbyopia /.prezbi'aupia/ n. longsightedness caused by loss of elasticity of the eye lens, occurring esp. in old presbyopic /-'opik/ad/. [Greek age. presbus old man, ops eye] presbyter /'prezbita(r)/ n. 1 (in the Episcopal Church) minister of the second order; priest. 2 (in the Presbyterian Church) elder. [Church Latin from

Greek, = elder]

Presbyterian /.prezbi'tiananZ-ad/'.

(of

a church) governed by elders all of equal rank, esp. with ref. to the Church of Scotland, -n. member of a PresbyterPresbyterianism n. ian Church.

presbytery

/'prezbitari/ n. (pi. -ies)

1

eastern part of a chancel. 2 body of presbyters, esp. a court next above a Kirk-session. 3 house of a Roman Catholic priest.

preschool

/'pri:sku:l/ adj. of

before a child

is

old

enough

the time to go to

prescient /'presiant/ adj. having foreknowledge or foresight. prescience n.

[Latin praescio

know

before] v. (-bing)

1 a advise the use of (a medicine etc.). b recommend, esp. as a benefit. 2 lay down or impose authoritatively. [Latin prae-

/pri'skraib/

Prescribe

is

sometimes con-

fused with proscribe.

prescript

adj. 1 prerules. 2 arising

presence /'prez(a)ns/ n. 1 being present. 2 place where a person is (admitted to their presence). 3 person's appearance or bearing, esp. when imposing. 4 person or spirit that is present (the royal presence; aware of a presence in the room). [Latin: related to present 1 ]

presence of mind

calmness and

n.

quick-wittedness in sudden difficulty etc.

present

1

/'prez(a)nt/ -adj. 1 (usu. pre-

being in the place in question. 2 a now existing, occurring, or being such, b now being considered etc. (in the present case). 3 Gram, expressing an action etc. now going on or habitually performed (present participle), -n. (prec. by the) 1 the time now passing (no time like the present). 2 Gram, present tense. at present now. by these presents Law by this document, for the present just now; for the time being. [Latin praesens -ent-] die.)

present 2

/pn'zent/ v. 1 introduce, offer, or exhibit for attention or consideration. 2 a (with a thing as object, foil, by to) offer or give as a gift (to a person), b (with a person as object, foil, by with) make available to; cause to have (that presents us with a problem). 3 a (of a company, producer, etc.) put (a piece of entertainment) before the public, b (of a performer, compere, etc.) introduce. 4 introduce (a person) formally (may I present my fiance?). 5 a (of a circumstance) reveal (some quality etc.) (this presents some difficulty), b exhibit (an appearance etc.). 6 (of an idea etc.) offer or suggest itself. 7 deliver (a cheque, bill, etc.) for acceptance or payment. 8 a foil, by at) aim (a weapon), b hold out (a weapon) in position for aiming. present arms hold a rifle etc. vertically in front of the body as a salute. presenter n. (in sense 3b). [Latin prae1

sento: related to present ] /'prez(a)nt/ n. thing given, gift.

present 3

1 [French: related to present ]

presentable

scribo]

Usage

down

from custom.

(usu.

school.

prescribe

prescriptive /pn'sknptiv/ scribing, laying

record (esp. material for broadcasting) in advance.

prerequisite

present-day

705

/'pri:sknpt/ n. ordinance, law, command. [Latin: related to prescribe] prescription /pri'skripJXa)n/ n. 1 act of prescribing. 2 a doctor's (usu. written) instruction for the supply and use of a medicine, b medicine prescribed.

/pn'zentab(a)l/

adj.

of

good appearance; fit to be presented. presentability /-'bikti/ n. presentably adv.

presentation

/,prezan'teij(9)n/ n. 1 a presenting or being presented, b thing presented. 2 manner or quality of presenting. 3 demonstration or display of materials, information, etc.; lecture.

present-day modern.

attrib. adj. of this time;

presentiment n.

vague

expectation: foreboding (esp. of misfortune).

presently

adv.

time. 2 esp. time; now.

1

US &

soon; after a short present

Scot, at the

preservative

pn'orvatrv -n. substance for preserving perishable foodstuffs, wood. etc. -adj. tending to preserve.

preserve

pn'rarv -v. (-ving) 1 keep safe or free from decay etc. 2 maintain (a thing) in its existing state. 3 retain (a quality or condition). 4 treat (food) to

prevent decomposition or fermentation. 5 keep (game etc.) undisturbed for private use. -n. (in sing, or pi) A preserved fruit: jam. 2 place where game etc. is preserved. 3 sphere of activity regarded preservation as a person's own. ,preza'veij(8)n n. [Latin servo keep]

pre-set

pri: set

v.

{-it-;

past and past

part, -set) set or fix (a device) in advance of its operation. preshrunk prii'JrAnk adj. (of fabric etc.) treated so that it shrinks during manufacture and not in use. preside pn'zaid v. (-ding) 1 (often foil, by at. over) be chairperson or president of a meeting etc. 2 exercise control or authority. [Latin sedeo sit] presidency 'prezidansi n. (pi -ies^ 1 office of president. 2 period of this. president prezido)nt n. 1 head of a republican State. 2 head of a society or council etc. 3 head of certain colleges. 4 US head of a university, company, etc. 5 person in charge of a meeting, pres-

idential -'denj(a)l adj. sidiam n. (also praesidium) standing committee in a Com-

presidium pn munist

country. [Latin: related preside] press- —v. 1 apply steady force to thing in contact). 2 a compress squeeze a thing to flatten, shape,

smooth

to

(a

or or

b squeeze (a fruit etc.) to extract its juice. 3 (foil, by out of, from. etc.) squeeze (juice etc.). 4 embrace or caress by squeezing (pressed my hand). 5 (foil, by on, against, etc.) exert pressure. 6 be urgent: demand immediate action. 7

demand.

it.

(foil,

pressure-cooker

"06

presentiment pn'zentimant

by for) make an

insistent

8 (foil, by up, round, etc.) crowd. 9 (foil, by on. forward, etc.) hasten insistently. 10 (often in passive) (of an enemy etc.) bear heavily on. 11 (often foil, by for. or to - infin.) urge or entreat (pressed me to stay: pressed me for an answer). 12 (foil, by on, upon) a urge (an opinion, claim, or course of action), b force (an offer, a gift. etc.). 13 insist on (did not press the point). 14 manufacture (a gramophone record, car

by using pressure to shape and extract from a sheet of material. -n. part, etc.)

act of pressing (give it a press). 2 1 device for compressing, flattening, shaping, extracting juice, etc. 3 = printing-press. 4 (prec. by the) a an or practice of printing, b newspapers etc. generally or collectively. 5 notice or publicity in newspapers etc. (got a good press). 6 (Press) printing or publishing company. 7 a crowding, b crowd (of people etc.). 8 the pressure of affairs. 9 esp. Ir. & Scot, large usu. shelved cupboard. be pressed for have barely enough (time etc.). go (or send) to press go or send to be printed. [Latin premo press-]

press 2 r, 1 hist, force to serve in the army or navy. 2 bring into use as a makeshift (was pressed into service). [obsolete prest from French. = loan] n. person employed to

press agent

obtain advertising and press publicity. press conference n. interview given to a number of journalists. press gallery n. gallery for reporters, esp. in a legislative assembly.

press-gang —tl

1 hist body of men employed to press men into army or navy service. 2 any group using coer-

cive methods, -v. force into service.

pressie

n. (also prezzie) colloq. [abbreviation] pressing -adj. 1 urgent. 2 urging strongly (pressing invitation), -n. 1 thing made by pressing, e.g. a gramophone record. 2 series of these made at one time. 3 act of pressing (all at one pressing). pressingly ado. press release n. statement issued to

present,

'prezi

gift,

newspapers.

press-stud

n.

small fastening device its two halves

engaged by pressing together.

n. exercise in which the prone raised from the ground by placing the hands on the floor and straightening the arms. pressure 'preja(r) -n. 1 a exertion of continuous force on or against a body by another in contact with it. b force exerted, c amount of this (expressed by the force on a unit area) (atmospheric pressure). 2 urgency (work under pressure). 3 affliction or difficulty (under financial pressure). 4 constraining influence (put pressure on us), -v. (-ring) (often foil, by into) apply (esp. moral) pressure to: coerce; persuade. [Latin: related to press

press-up body

is

1

]

pressure-cooker

n.

airtight

pan

for

cooking quickly under steam pressure, z

pressure-cook

dl

pressure group pressure group

n.

to

influence public policy, n. point where an artery can be pressed against a bone to inhibit bleeding. pressurize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 (esp. as pressurized adj.) maintain normal atmospheric pressure in (an aircraft cabin etc.) at a high altitude. 2 raise to a high pressure. 3 pressure (a pressurization /-'zeij(a)n/ person).

pressure point

n.

pressurized-water reactor

n.

nuc-

lear reactor with water at high pressure as the coolant.

Prestel

computer-

/'prestel/ n. propr.

ized visual information system operated by British Telecom, [from press,

telecommunication] prestidigitator presti did3i,teita(r)/ prestidigitation n. formal conjuror. ,

/

/-'teij"(9)n/ n.

1

[French: related to presto,

digit]

prestige

/pre'sti^/ n. 1 respect or reputation derived from achievements, power, associations, etc. 2 (attrib.) havprestiing or conferring prestige. gious /-'stid38s/ adj. [Latin praestigiae

/'prestau/

Mus. -adv.

&

adj. in

presto passage or movement. [Latin praestus quick] prestressed /pri:'strest/ adj. (of concrete) strengthened by stretched wires within it. presumably /pn'zju:mabli/ adv. as may reasonably be presumed. presume /pn'zju.m/ v. (-ming) 1 (often foil, by that) suppose to be true; take for granted. 2 (often foil, by to + infin.) a take the liberty, be impudent enough (presumed to question their authority). b dare, venture (may I presume to ask?). 3 be presumptuous. 4 (foil, by on, upon) take advantage of or make unscrupulous use of (a person's good

quick tempo, —n. (pi

nature

-s)

[Latin praesumo]

etc.).

etc.)

/pri:'taeks, 'pri:-/ adj. (of income

before deduction of taxes.

pretence

(US pretense)

/pri'tens/ n.

1

pretending, make-believe. 2 a pretext, excuse, b false show of intentions or motives. 3 (foil, by to) claim, esp. a false one (to merit etc.). 4 tiisplay; ostentation. [Anglo-Latin: related to pretend] pretend /pn'tend/ — v. 1 claim or assert falsely so as to deceive (pretend knowledge; pretended to be rich). 2 imagine to oneself in play (pretended it was night). 3 (as pretended adj.) falsely claim to be such (a pretended friend). 4 (foil, by to) a lay claim to (a right or title etc.). b profess to have (a quality etc.). -adj. colloq. pretended; in pretence (pretend money). [Latin praetendo: related to

TEND

1

]

pretender throne,

person

n.

who

claims a

title, etc.

pretense US var. of pretence. pretension /pn'tenj(a)n/ n. 1 by

(often

a assertion of a claim, b justifiable claim. 2 pretentiousness, [medieval Latin: related to pretend] foil,

to)

pretentious

/pn'tenjas/ adj. 1 making to merit or importance. 2 ostentatious. pretentiously adv. pretentiousness n. preterite /'pretarit/ (US preterit) Gram. -adj. expressing a past action or state, -n. preterite tense or form. [Latin

/pn'zAmpJ(a)n/ n. 1 arrogance, presumptuous behaviour. 2 a presuming a thing to be true, b thing that is or may be presumed to be true. 3

ground for presuming. presume]

[Latin: related to

/,pri:ta'na3tjar(a)l/ adj.

extraordinary, exceptional; supernatural. [Latin praeter beyond] pretext /'pri:tekst/ n. ostensible reason; offered. excuse [Latin praetextus: related to text]

prettify

/'pnti.fai/

pretty, esp. in

v.

(-ies, -ied)

make

an affected way.

pretty lentil -adj. ive in a delicate dress). 2 fine or

(-ier, -iest) 1 attract-

way

(pretty girl; pretty

good of its kind. 3

iron.

pretty penny), -adv. colloq. fairly, moderately, -v. (-ies, -ied) (often foil, by up) make pretty much (or nearly or pretty. well) colloq. almost; very nearly. prettily adv. prettiness n. [Old Engfine

(a

lish]

/pri'zAmptiv/ adj. giving

grounds for presumption (presumptive evidence).

presumptuous

praeteritum past]

preternatural

considerable,

presumption

presumptive

pre-tax

an excessive claim

juggler's tricks]

presto

prevail

707

group formed

/pri'zAmptJuas/

adj.

unduly or overbearingly confident.

pretty-pretty adj. colloq. too pretty. pretzel /'prets(a)l/ n. crisp knot-shaped salted biscuit. [German] prevail /pn'veil/ v. 1 (often foil, by

assume beforehand.

against, over) be victorious or gain mastery. 2 be the more usual or predominant. 3 exist or occur in general use or experience. 4 (foil, by on, upon) persuade. [Latin praevaleo: related to

position

avail]

presumptuously tuousness

adv.

presump-

n.

presuppose

/.prrsa'pauz/ v. (-sing) 1 2 imply, presup-

/-,SAp9'ziJ(8)n/ n.

prevalent

priest

prevalent prevalent

adj.

generally

1

existing or occurring. 2 predominant, prevalence n. [related to prevail] prevaricate pri 'vasn.keit i. ( ting) 1 speak or act evasively or misleadingly. 2 quibble, equivocate. prevarication -'keij\a)n n. prevaricator n. walk crookedly]

[Latin,

=

Usage Prevaricate is often confused with procrastinate, which means 'to defer or put off action'. prevent pn'vent

v. (often foil, by from ~ verbal noun) stop from happening or doing something; hinder; make impossible (the weather prevented me from going), z preventable adj. (also preventive), prevention n. [Latin praevenio -vent- hinder]

Usage The use of prevent without 'from' as in prevented me going is informal. An acceptable alternative is prevented

my going.

preventative

pri'ventativ adj.

& n. =

PREVENTIVE.

preventive

pri'ventiv -adj. serving to prevent, esp. disease, -n. preventive agent, measure, drug, etc. preview 'pri:vju:/ -n. showing of a film, play, exhibition, etc., before it is seen by the general public. -v. see or show in advance. previous /'pri:vias, -adj. 1 (often foil, by to) coming before in time or order. 2 colloq. hasty, premature, -adv. (foil, by to) before, z previously adv. [Latin praevius from via way] pre-war pri:'w o:(r), 'pri:- adj. existing or occurring before a war. prey prei -n. 1 animal that is hunted or killed by another for food. 2 (often foil, by to) person or thing that is influenced by or vulnerable to (something undesirable) (prey to morbid fears), -v. (foil, by on, upon) 1 seek or take as prey. 2 (of a disease, emotion, etc.) exert a harmful influence (it preyed on his mind). [Latin praeda] prezzie var. of pressie. price -n. 1 amount of money for which a thing is bought or sold. 2 what is or must be given, done, sacrificed, etc., to obtain or achieve something (peace at any price). 3 odds in betting. -v. (-cing) 1 fix or find the price of (a thing for sale). 2 estimate the value of. at a price at a r

high

cost,

reward

price on a person's head

for a person's capture or death, ? (often foil, by verbal

what price

.

.

.

noun) colloq. 1 what is the chance of ? (what price your finishing the course?). 2 iron, the much boasted proves .

.

.

.

.

.

disappointing (what price your friendship now?). [Latin pretium]

price-fixing

n. maintaining of prices at a certain level by agreement between

competing sellers. priceless adj. 1 invaluable. 2 colloq. very amusing or absurd. price tag n. 1 label on an item showing its price. 2 cost of an undertaking. price war n. period of fierce competition

among

pricey

traders cutting prices.

adj.

-ciest)

(-cier,

colloq.

ex-

pensive. prick -v. 1 pierce slightly; make a small hole in. 2 (foil, by off, out) mark with small holes or dots. 3 trouble mentally (my conscience pricked me). 4 tingle. 5 (foil, by out) plant (seedlings etc.) in small holes pricked in the soil. -n. 1 act of pricking. 2 small hole or mark made by pricking. 3 pain caused as by pricking. 4 mental pain. 5 coarse slang a penis, b derog. contemptible man. z prick up one's ears 1 (of a dog etc.) make the ears erect when alert. 2 (of a

person) become [Old English]

suddenly

attentive.

prickle

/'pnk(a)l -n. 1 small thorn. 2 hard-pointed spine of a hedgehog etc. 3 prickling sensation, —v. (-ling) affect or be affected with a sensation of multiple pricking. [Old English]

prickly

adj.

(-ier,

-iest)

1

having

prickles. 2 (of a person) ready to take offence. 3 tingling, z prickliness n. prickly heat n. itchy inflammation of the skin, causing a tingling sensation and common in hot countries. prickly pear n. 1 cactus with pearshaped prickly fruit. 2 its fruit. pride -n. 1 a elation or satisfaction at one's achievements, qualities, possessions, etc. b object of this feeling; the flower or best. 2 high or overbearing opinion of one's worth or importance. 3 (in full proper pride) proper sense of what befits one's position; self-respect. 4 group (of certain animals, esp. lions). 5 best condition, prime, -v.refl. (-ding) (foil, by on, upon) be proud of. z take pride (or a pride) in 1 be proud of. 2

maintain in good condition or appearance. [Old English: related to proud] pride of place n. most important or

prominent prie-dieu pronunc.

position. pri:'dj3:

same)

n. (pi. prie-dieux for kneeling-desk

prayer. [French, = pray God] n. 1 ordained minister of the Roman Catholic or Orthodox Church, or of the Anglican Church (above a deacon and below a bishop). 2 (fern. priestess) official minister of a non-

priest

prig priesthood n. Christian religion. priestly adj. [Latin presbyter] n. self-righteous or moralistic per-

prig

son. [origin

priggish

adj.

priggishness

n.

unknown] prim adj. (primmer, primmest) stiffly primly formal and precise; prudish. adv. primness n. [French: related to PRIME

/,pri:ma ,baela'ri:na/ chief female dancer in a ballet. [It-

primacy

/'praimasi/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 preeminence. 2 office of a primate. [Latin: related to primate] prima donna /,pri:ma 'dona/ n. (pi. prima donnas) 1 chief female singer in an opera. 2 temperamentally self-

important person.

prima donna-ish

adj. [Italian] 'feiji:/

-adv. at

-adj. (of evidence) based on the first impression. [Latin] primal /'praim(a)l/ adj. 1 primitive, primeval. 2 chief, fundamental. [Latin: 1 related to prime ] primary /'praimari/ -adj. 1 a of the

importance; chief, b fundamental, basic. 2 earliest, original; first in a series. 3 of the first rank in a series; not first

derived. 4 designating any of the colours red, green, and blue, or (for pigments) red, blue, and yellow, of which all other colours are mixtures. 5 (of education) for children below the age of 11. 6 (Primary) Geol. of the lowest series of strata. 7 Biol, of the first stage of development, -n. (pi. -ies) 1 thing that is primary. 2 (in full primary election) (in the US) preliminary election to appoint party conference delegates or to select candidates for a principal (esp. presidential) election. 3 = primary

feather.

primarily

/'praimarili,

-'mearili/ adv. [Latin: related to

primary \

"

;

7,

11).

common

|

feather

n.

large

prime

1

]

flight-

feather of a bird's wing. primary school n. school for children below the age of 11. primate /'praimeit/ n. 1 member of the highest order of mammals, including apes, monkeys, and man. 2 (also /-mat/) archbishop. [Latin primas -at- chief] prime 1 -adj. 1 chief, most important. 2 first-rate, excellent. 3 primary, fundamental. 4 Math, a (of a number etc.) divisible only by itself and unity (e.g. 2, 3, 5,

primer

b (of numbers) having no

factor but unity, -n. 1 state of the highest perfection (prime of life). 2 (prec. by the; foil, by of) the best part. [Latin primus first] prime 2 v. (-ming) 1 prepare (a thing) for use or action. 2 prepare (a gun) for firing

1

n.

substance used to prime

etc.

primer

2

n. 1 elementary textbook for teaching children to read. 2 introductory book. [Latin: related to prime ] prime time n. (in broadcasting) time when audiences are largest. primeval /prai'mi:v(a)l/ adj. 1 of the first age of the world. 2 ancient, prim1

primevally adv.

itive.

facie /.praima

first sight,

i

tion for something, [origin unknown] n. head of an elected government; principal minister.

wood

alian]

prima

or (an explosive) for detonation. 3 pour (liquid) into a pump to enable it to work. 4 prepare (wood etc.) for painting by applying a substance that prevents paint from being absorbed. 5 equip (a person) with information etc. 6 ply (a person) with food or drink in prepara-

prime minister

]

prima ballerina n.

princeling

709

to

[Latin: related

prime 1 aevum age] ,

primitive /'pnmitiv/ -adj.

1 at an early stage of civilization (primitive man). 2 undeveloped, crude, simple (primitive methods), -n. 1 untutored painter with a direct naive style. 2 picture by such a primitively adv. primitpainter. iveness n. [Latin: related to prime 1 ] primogeniture /,praimau'd3enitj8(r)/ n. 1 fact of being the first-born child. 2 (in full right of primogeniture) right of succession belonging to the first[medieval Latin: related to born, prime 1 Latin genitura birth] primordial /prai'mo:dial/ adj. existing at or from the beginning, primeval. 1 [Latin: related to prime ordior begin] ,

,

primp v.

1

tidy. 2 refl.

make (the hair, clothes, etc.) make (oneself) smart, [var. of

prim]

primrose

/'primrauz/ n. 1 a wild plant bearing pale yellow spring flowers, b its flower. 2 pale yellow colour. [French and medieval Latin, = first rose] primrose path n. pursuit of pleasure.

primula

/'primjula/ n. cultivated plant

bearing primrose-like flowers in a wide variety of colours. [Latin diminutive: 1 related to prime ] Primus /'praimas/ n. propr. portable cooking stove burning vaporized oil. [Latin,

prince

=

first]

n. (as

a

title

usu. Prince)

1

male

member of a royal family other than the reigning king. 2 ruler of a small State. 3 noble man in some countries. 4 (often foil, by of) chief or greatest (the prince of novelists). [Latin princeps -dp-] Prince Consort n. (title conferred on) the husband of a reigning queen who is himself a prince. princeling /'prmslin/ n. young or petty prince.

princely princely

adj. (-ier, iest)

1

of or

worthy

of a prince. 2 sumptuous, generous, splendid.

Prince of Wales

n. (title conferred on) the eldest son and heir apparent of the British monarch. Prince Regent n. prince who acts as regent, esp. the future George IV. princess prin'ses/ n. (as a title usu. Princess /'prmses/) 1 wife of a prince. 2 female member of a royal family other than a queen. [French: related to prince] Princess Royal n. (title conferred on) the British monarch's eldest daughter. principal /'prmsip(a)l/ -adj. 1 (usu. attrib.) first in rank or importance; chief. 2 main, leading, -n. 1 chief person. 2 head of some schools, colleges, and universities. 3 leading performer in a concert, play, etc. 4 capital sum as distinct from interest or income. 5 per-

whom

son for another is agent etc. 6 servant of the grade below Secretary. 7 person directly responsible for a crime, z principally adv. [Latin: related to prince] principal boy n. leading male role in a civil

pantomime, usu. played by a woman. principality /.prmsi'paeliti/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 State ruled by or government of a prince. 2 (the Principality) Wales.

principal parts n.pl. Gram, parts of a verb from which all other parts can be deduced.

principle

/'prmsip(a)l/

n.

1

funda-

mental truth or law as the basis of reasoning or action. 2 a personal code of conduct {person of high principle). b (in pi.) personal rules of conduct (has no principles). 3 general law in physics etc. 4 law of nature forming the basis for the construction or working of a machine etc. 5 fundamental source; primary element, z in principle in theory, on principle on the basis of a moral code. [Latin principium source] principled adj. based on or having of praiseworthy) principles behaviour. v. A a (usu. re/7.; often foil, by up) smarten (oneself) up. b dress oneself up. 2 (of a bird) preen, [origin unknown] print -v. 1 produce or cause (a book, picture, etc.) to be produced by applying inked types, blocks, or plates, to paper, etc. 2 express or publish in print. 3 a (often foil, by on, in) impress or stamp (a mark on a surface), b (often foil, by with) impress or stamp (a surface with a seal, die, etc.). 4 (often absol.) write (letters) without joining them up. 5 (often foil, by off, out) produce (a photograph) from a (esp.

prink

prism

710

negative. 6 (usu.

foil,

by out)

(of a

com-

puter etc.) produce output in printed form. 7 mark (a textile fabric) with a coloured design. 8 (foil, by on) impress (an idea, scene, etc. on the mind or memory), -n. 1 indentation or mark on a surface left by the pressure of a thing in contact with it. 2 a printed lettering or writing, b words in printed form, c printed publication, esp. a newspaper. 3 picture or design printed from a block or plate. 4 photograph produced on paper from a negative. 5 printed cotton fabric, z in print 1 (of a book etc.) available from the publisher. 2 in printed form, out of print no longer available from the publisher. [Latin premo: related to press ] printed circuit n. electric circuit with thin strips of conductor printed on a flat 1

insulating sheet.

printer n. 1 person who prints books etc. 2 owner of a printing business. 3 device

that

prints,

esp.

from

a

computer.

printing

production of printed books etc. 2 copies of a book printed at one time. 3 printed letters or writing imitating them. n.

1

printing-press n. machine ing from types or plates etc. printout n. computer output

for print-

in printed

form.

prior

/'prai9(r)/ -adj. 1 earlier. 2 (often by to) coming before in time, order, or importance, -adv. (foil, by to) before (left prior to his arrival), -n. (fern. prioress) 1 superior of a religious house or order. 2 (in an abbey) deputy of an abbot. [Latin, = earlier] priority /prai'Dnti/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 thing that is regarded as more important than others. 2 high(est) place among various things to be done (gave priority to). 3 right to do something before other people. 4 right to proceed ahead of other traffic. 5 (state of) being more important, z prioritize v. (also -ise) (-zing or [medieval Latin: related to -sing), prior] priory "praian/ n. (pi. -ies) monastery governed by a prior or nunnery governed by a prioress. [Anglo-French and medieval Latin: related to prior] prise v. (also prize) (-sing or -zing) force open or out by leverage. [French: 2 related to prize ] foil,

prism

/'priz(a)m/ n. 1 solid figure whose two ends are equal parallel rectilinear figures, and whose sides are parallelograms. 2 transparent body in this form,

usu. triangular with refracting surfaces at an acute angle with each other, which separates white light into a spectrum of

prismatic -mat-

thing

sawn]

prismatic /priz'maetik/ adj.

1 of, like, or using a prism. 2 (of colours) distributed if) by a transparent prism. [Greek:

(as

i

related to prism] prison /'pnz(a)n/

n. 1

esp. a building to

place of captivity,

which persons are

committed while awaiting trial or for punishment. 2 custody, confinement. [Latin prehendo seize] prisoner /'pnzna(r)/ n. 1 person kept in prison. 2 (in full prisoner at the bar) person in custody on a criminal charge and on trial. 3 person or thing confined by illness, another's grasp, etc. 4 (in full prisoner of war) person captured in take prisoner seize and hold as war. a prisoner. [Anglo-French: related to prison] see conscience.

prisoner of conscience prissy

/'pnsi/ adj.

(-ier,

-iest)

prim,

prudish, z prissily adv. prissiness [perhaps from prim, sissy]

n.

pristine

/'pnsti:n/ adj. 1 in its original condition; unspoilt. 2 spotless; fresh as

new. 3 ancient, primitive. [Latin pristinus former] if

'

'

I

is

ji

Usage The use of pristine in sense 2 considered incorrect by some people.

privacy

i

/'privasi/ n.

1

a being private

and undisturbed, b right to this. 2 freedom from intrusion or public attention. private /'praivat/ -adj. 1 belonging to an individual, one's own, personal (pri-

I

i

i

i

I

vate property). 2 confidential, not to be disclosed to others (private talks). 3 kept or removed from public knowledge or observation. 4 not open to the public. 5 (of a place) secluded. 6 (of a person) not holding public office or an official position. 7 (of education or medical treatment) conducted outside the State system, at the individual's expense, -n. 1 private soldier. 2 (in pi. ) colloq. genitals,

c in private privately. privately adv. [Latin privo deprive] private bill n. parliamentary bill affecting an individual or corporation only.

I

I

private

company

restricted

n.

company with

membership and no public

share issue. \

!

I

private

detective n. detective engaged privately, outside an official police force,

private enterprise n. businesses not under State control. privateer /.praiva'tia(r)/ n. 1 privately owned and officered warship holding a government commission. 2 its commander.

prize

711

[Greek prisma

colours.

private eye n. colloq. private detective, private hotel n. hotel not obliged to take

all

comers.

private

means

investments come.

etc.,

n.pl.

income from

apart from earned

in-

private member n. MP not holding government office. private member's bill n. bill introduced by a private member, not part of government legislation. private parts n.pl. euphem. genitals. private sector n. the part of the eco-

nomy

free of direct State control.

private soldier

n. ordinary soldier other than the officers.

private view

n.

viewing of an exhibiit opens to

tion (esp. of paintings) before the public.

privation

lack of the

/prai'veij*(a)n/ n.

comforts or necessities of related to private]

life.

[Latin:

privative /'privativ/ adj. 1 consisting in or marked by loss or absence. 2 Gram. expressing privation. [Latin: related to private]

privatize

/'praiva.taiz/

v.

(also

-ise)

(-zing or -sing) transfer (a business etc.)

from State to private ownership. privatization /-'zeij(a)n/ n. privet /'pnvit/ n. bushy evergreen shrub used for hedges, [origin

unknown] privilege

/'pnvilid3/ -n. 1 right, advantage, or immunity, belonging to a person, class, or office. 2 special benefit or honour (a privilege to meet you). -v. priv(-ging) invest with a privilege. ileged adj. [Latin: related to privy, lex leg-

law]

privy /'privi/ -adj.

1 (foil,

by

to)

sharing

in the secret of (a person's plans etc.). 2 archaic hidden, secret, —n. (pi. -ies) lavatory, esp. an outside one. [French prive private place]

Privy Council

n.

body of advisers

appointed by the sovereign (now chiefly honorary). Privy Councillor n. (also Privy Counsellor). privy purse n. allowance from the public revenue for the monarch's private expenses.

privy seal

n.

seal formerly affixed to

minor State documents. prize -n. 1 something that can be won in a competition, lottery, etc. 2 reward given as a symbol of victory or superiority. 3 something striven for or worth striving for. 4 (attrib. ) a to which a prize is awarded (prize poem), b excellent of 1

its

kind. -v.

much prized

(-zing) value highly (a

possession). related to praise]

[French:

prize prize 2

prehendo seize] prize 3 var. of prise. prizefight n. boxing-match fought for a prizefighter n. prize of money. prize-giving n. awarding of prizes, esp. formally at a school

prizewinner

n.

etc.

winner of a

prizewinning attrib.

prize.

adj.

PRO

abbr. 1 Public Record Office. 2 public relations officer. /prau/ n. (pi -s) colloq. professional. [abbreviation] pro 2 /prau/ -adj. (of an argument or reason) for; in favour, -n. (pi. -s) reason in favour, -prep, in favour of. [Latin, =

pro

1

for, on behalf of] pro- prefix 1 favouring or supporting 1

(pro-government). 2 acting as a substitute or deputy for (proconsul). 3 for-

wards (produce). 4 forwards and down(prostrate). 5 onwards wards (progress). 6 in front of (protect). [Latin

pro in front (of)] pro- 2 prefix before in time, place, order, etc. [Greek pro before]

proactive

/prau'aektiv/ adj. (of a person, policy, etc.) taking the initiative, 2 [from pro- after reactive] ,

probability

/.proba'biliti/ n. (pi -ies) 1 being probable. 2 likelihood of something happening. 3 probable or most probable event. 4 Math, extent to which an event is likely to occur, measured by the ratio of the favourable cases to the total number of possible cases. in all probability most probably.

probable

/'prDbab(a)l/ -adj. (often foil, that) that may be expected to happen or prove true; likely (the probable

by

explanation;

it

is

probable that they

forgot), -n. probable candidate, memprobably adv. ber of a team, etc. [Latin: related to prove] probate /'praubeit/ n. 1 official proving of a will. 2 verified copy of a will with a certificate as handed to executors. [Latin probo prove] probation /pra'beij(a)n/ n. 1 Law system of supervising and monitoring the behaviour of (esp. young) offenders, as an alternative to prison. 2 period of testing the character or abilities of esp.

a new employee. going probation.

on probation underprobationary

adj.

[Latin: related to prove]

probationer n. person on probation. probation officer n. official supervising offenders on probation. probative /'praubativ/ adj. formal affording proof. [Latin: related to

prove]

process

712

ship or property captured in naval warfare. [French prise from Latin n.

probe

-n. 1 penetrating investigation. 2 small device, esp. an electrode, for measuring, testing, etc. 3 blunt-ended surgical instrument for exploring a wound etc. 4 (in full space probe) unmanned exploratory spacecraft transmitting information about its environment, -v. (-bing) 1 examine or enquire into closely. 2 explore with a probe. [Latin proba: related to prove] probity /'praubiti/ n. uprightness, honesty. [Latin probus good] problem /'problem/ n. 1 doubtful or difficult matter requiring a solution. 2 something hard to understand or accomplish. 3 (attrib.) causing problems (problem child). 4 puzzle or question for solution; exercise. [Greek problema -mat-]

problematic

/.probla'maetik/ adj. (also

problematical) attended by

difficulty;

doubtful or questionable. problematically adv. [Greek: related to problem]

proboscis

/prau'bDsis/ n.

(pi.

-sees)

1

long flexible trunk or snout of some mammals, e.g. an elephant or tapir. 2 elongated mouth parts of some insects. [Greek bosko feed] proboscis monkey n. monkey of Borneo, the male of which has a large

pendulous nose. /pra'si:d3a(r)/ n. 1 way of acting or advancing, esp. in business or legal action. 2 way of performing a task. 3 series of actions conducted in a certain procedural adj. order or manner. [French: related to proceed]

procedure

proceed

/pra'si:d/ v. 1 (often foil, by to) go forward or on further; make one's way. 2 (often foil, by with, or to + infin.) continue with an activity; go on to do something (proceeded with their work; proceeded to beg me). 3 (of an action) be carried on or continued (the case will now proceed). 4 adopt a course of action (how shall we proceed?). 5 go on to say. 6 (foil, by against) start a lawsuit against (a person). 7 (often foil, by from) originate (trouble proceeded from ill-

ness). [Latin cedo cess- go]

proceeding

n.

1

action or piece of

conduct (high-handed proceeding). 2 (in pi.) (in full legal proceedings) lawsuit. 3 (in pi.) published report of discussions or a conference.

proceeds sale etc.

/'prausi:dz/ n.pl. profits

[pi.

from

of obsolete proceed (n.) from

proceed]

process

1 /'prauses/ -n. 1 course of action or proceeding, esp. a series of stages in manufacture etc. 2 progress or course (in process of construction). 3 natural or involuntary course or

process old).

4

action at law; summons or writ. 5 natural projection of a bone, stem, etc. —v. 1 deal with by a particular process. 2 (as

processed

prevent

productive

713

change (process of growing

adj.) treat (food, esp. to decay) (processed cheese).

[Latin: related to proceed] v. walk in procession,

process 2 /pra'ses/

[back-formation from procession] /pra'seJXa)n/ n. 1 people or vehicles etc. advancing in orderly succession, esp. at a ceremony, demonstration, or festivity. 2 movement of such a group (go in procession). [Latin: related to proceed] processional -adj. 1 of processions. 2 used, carried, or sung in processions. —n. Eccl. processional hymn or hymn book.

procession

processor

/'prausesa(r)/

n.

machine

that processes things, esp.: 1 = central PROCESSOR. 2 = FOOD PROCESSOR. proclaim /pra'kleim/ v. 1 (often foil, by that) announce or declare publicly or officially. 2 declare to be (king,

a traitor, etc.).n proclamation /.prokla 'meij*(a)n/ n. [Latin: related to claim]

proclivity

/pra'kliviti/ n. (pi. -ies) tendency, inclination. [Latin clivus slope]

procrastinate

/prau'kraesti.neit/

v.

procrastination /-'neiJXa)n/ n. procrastinator n. [Latin eras tomorrow] (-ting) defer action.

Usage Procrastinate is often confused with prevaricate which means 'to be evasive, quibble'.

proobtain (women) for prostitution. curement n. [Latin euro look after]

procurer n. (fern, procuress) person who obtains women for prostitution. [Latin procurator] -v. (-dd-) 1 poke with a finger, stick, etc. 2 stimulate to action. 3 (foil, by

prod at)

make a prodding motion, -n.

thrust.

2 stimulus to action,

/'praukri.eit/

v.

(-ting) (often

produce (offspring) naturally. procreation /- eij(a)n/ n. procreative absol.)

adj. [Latin: related to

create]

Procrustean

/prau'krAstian/ adj. seeking to enforce uniformity ruthlessly or violently. [Greek Prokroustes, name of a robber who fitted his victims to a bed by stretching them or cutting bits off

them]

proctor

/'prDkta(r)/ n. disciplinary of(usu. one of two) at certain universities, z proctorial /-'to:nal/ adj. ficer

proctorship

procuration

n.

1 recklessly wasteful. 2 (foil, by of) lavish, -n. 1 prodigal person. 2 (in full prodigal son) repentant wastrel, returned wanderer,

etc.

(Luke

1

for-

mal

act of procuring. 2 function or authorized action of an attorney. [Latin: related to procure]

procurator

/'prDkju,reita(r)/ n.

agent

or proxy, esp. with power of attorney. [Latin procurator agent] procurator fiscal n. (in Scotland) local coroner and public prosecutor.

procure /pra'kjua(r)/

v. (-ring) 1 obtain, esp. by care or effort; acquire (managed to procure a copy). 2 bring about (pro-

cured their dismissal). 3 (also absol.)

prodigality

15:11-32).

[Latin prodigus lavish] prodigious /pra'did3as/ adj. 1 marvellous or amazing. 2 enormous. 3 abnormal. [Latin: related to prodigy] prodigy /'prDdid3i/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 exceptionally gifted or able person, esp. a precocious child. 2 marvellous, esp. extraordinary, thing. 3 (foil, by of) wonderful example (of a quality). [Latin prodigium portent] produce -v. /pra'dju:s/ (-cing) 1 manufacture or prepare (goods etc.). 2 bring forward for consideration, inspection, or use (will produce evidence). 3 bear, yield, or bring into existence (offspring, fruit, a harvest, etc.). 4 cause or bring about (a reaction, sensation, etc.). 5 Geom. extend or continue (a line). 6 supervise the production of (a play, broadcast, record, etc.). -n. film, /-'gaeliti/ n.

1

a what

is

produced, esp.

agricultural products collectively (dairy produce), b amount of this. 2 (often foil, by of) result (of labour, efforts, etc.). producible /pra 'dju:sib(a)l/ adj. [Latin duco duct- lead]

producer /pra'dju:sa(r)/ n. 1 person who produces goods etc. 2 person who supervises the production of a play, film, broadcast, etc.

product

/'prodAkt/ n. 1 thing or substance produced, esp. by manufacture. 2 result. 3 quantity obtained by multiplying. [Latin: related to

[from procurator]

/,prDkju'reiJXa)n/ n.

poke,

[origin

unknown] prodigal /'prDdig(a)l/-ad/.

/'prDdju:s/

procreate

1

production

produce]

n. 1 producing or being produced, esp. in large quantities (go into production). 2 total yield. 3 thing produced, esp. a film, play, book, etc. [Latin: related to produce] production line n. systematized sequence of operations involved in producing a commodity. productive /pra'dAktiv/ adj. 1 of or engaged in the production of goods. 2 producing much (productive writer). 3 producing commodities of exchangeable value (productive labour). 4 (foil.

/pra'dAkJXa)n/

productivity by

tively adv. productiveness

n. [Latin:

related to produce] .prDdAk'tiviti/ n. 1 being capacity to produce. 2

amount produced by an industry, workforce, etc.

proem /'prauim/ n.

preface etc. to a book or speech. [Latin from Greek] Prof. abbr. Professor. profane /pra'fein, -adj. 1 a irreverent, blasphemous, b (of language) obscene. 2 not sacred or biblical; secular, -v. (-ning) 1 treat (esp. a sacred thing) irreverently; disregard. 2 violate or pollute, z profanation /,prDfa'neiJXa)n/ n. [Latin fanum temple]

profanity

,

pra'faeniti/

n.

(pi.

-ies)

1

profane act or language; blasphemy. 2 swear-word. profess pra'fes/ v. 1 claim openly to

have (a quality or feeling). 2 (often foil, by to + infin.) pretend, declare (profess ignorance). 3 affirm one's faith in or allegiance to. [Latin profiteor -fess- declare]

professed

adj.

self-acknowledged

1

(professed Christian). 2 alleged, ostensible. professedly /-sidli/ adv.

profession

/pra'fej(a)n/ n. 1 vocation or calling, esp. learned or scientific (medical profession). 2 people in a profession. 3 declaration or avowal, z the oldest profession colloq. prostitution. professional -adj. 1 of, belonging to, or connected with a profession. 2 a skilful, competent, b worthy of a professional (professional conduct). 3 engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation (professional boxer). 4 derog. engaged in a specified activity, esp. fanatically (professional agitator), -n. professional person.

professionally adv.

professionalism

qualities associated with a profession, esp. competence, n.

skill, etc.

professor

/pra'fesa(r)/ n. a (often as a highest-ranking academic teaching in a university department; holder of a university chair, b US university teacher. 2 person who professes a religion etc. professorial /.prDfi'soxial/ *\

title)

adj. professorship n. proffer v. offer. [French: related

pro-

1 ,

to

offer]

proficient pra'fij(a)nt/ adj. (often foil, by in, at) adept, expert, z proficiency proficiently adv. [Latin proficio feetadvance] profile praufail/-rc. 1 a outline, esp. of a human face, as seen from one side, b representation of this. 2 short biographn.

or character sketch, -v. (-ling) represent or describe by a profile, z keep a low profile remain inconspicuical

ous. [Italian profilare

productivity productive,

progestogen

714

producing or giving rise to {productive of great annoyance), producof)

profit

'profit/

-n.

1

draw

in outline]

advantage or bene-

2 financial gain; excess of returns (-t-) 1 (also absol.) be beneficial to. 2 obtain advantage or benefit (profited by the experience), z at a profit with financial gain. [Latin profectus: related to proficient] profitable adj. 1 yielding profit. 2 beneficial, z profitability /-'biliti/ n. profitably adv. fit.

over outlay, -v.

profit

and

loss

account

n.

account

showing net profit or loss at any time. profiteer .

property. /'reliv(a)nt/ adj. (often foil, by bearing on or having reference to the matter in hand. relevance n. [Latin to)

relevo: related to relieve]

reliable /n'lai8b(9)l/ adj. of consistently good character or quality; dependable.

reliability

/-'bihti/ n.

reliably

adv.

make or become less tense. 2 make or become

/ri'laeks/ v. 1

rigid, or

formal or strict (rules were relaxed). 3 reduce or abate (one's attention, efforts, etc.). 4 cease work or effort. 5 (as relaxed adj.) at ease; unperturbed. [Latin relaxo: related to lax] less

relaxation

adj.

ively constant.

re-let

/

1

ri:la3k'seiJ(8)n/ n.

1

relax-

ing or being relaxed. 2 recreation. relay /'ri:lei/-n. 1 fresh set of people etc. substituted for tired ones. 2 supply of material similarly used. 3 = relay race. 4 device activating an electric circuit etc. in response to changes affecting itself. 5 a device to receive, reinforce, and transmit a message,

broadcast, etc. b relayed message or transmission, -v. /also n'lei/ receive (a message, broadcast, etc.) and transmit it to others. [French relai from Latin laxo: see lax] /ri:'lei/ v. (past and past part, repaid) lay again or differently. relay race n. race between teams of which each member in turn covers part

re-lay

of the distance.

relearn /ri:'l3:n/ v. learn again. release /n'li:s/ -v. (-sing) 1 (often

foil,

by from)

set free; liberate, unfasten. 2 allow to move from a fixed position. 3 a make (information, a recording, etc.) publicly available, b issue (a film etc.) for general exhibition, -n. 1 liberation from a restriction, duty, or difficulty. 2 handle or catch that releases part of a mechanism. 3 news item etc. made available for publication (press release). 4 a film or record etc. that is released, b releasing or being released in this way. [French re lesser from Latin relaxo relax] relegate /'reli.geit/ v. (-ting) 1 consign or dismiss to an inferior position. 2 transfer (a sports team) to a lower division of a league etc. 3 banish. relegation /-'geij(8)n/ n. [Latin relego send

away] relent /ri'lent/ v. relax severity, abandon a harsh intention, yield to compassion, [medieval Latin lentus flexible]

reliance

/ri'laians/ n. (foil,

by

in,

on)

trust, confidence. reliant adj. relic /'relik/ n. 1 object that is interesting because of its age or association. 2 part of a dead holy person's body or belongings kept as an object of reverence. 3 surviving custom or belief etc. from a past age. 4 memento or souvenir. 5 (in pi.) what has survived. 6 (in pi.) dead body or remains of a person. [Latin reliquiae remains: related to relin-

quish]

relict /'relikt/ n. object surviving in its primitive form. [French relicte: related to relic]

relief

/ri'liif/

deliverance

n.

a alleviation of or

1

from

pain, distress, anxiety, etc. b feeling accompanying such deliverance. 2 feature etc. that diversifies monotony or relaxes tension. 3 assistance (esp. financial) given to those in special need or difficulty. 4 a replacing of a person or persons on duty by another or others, b person or persons replacing others in this way. 5 attrib.) thing supplementing (usu. another in some service (relief bus). 6 a method of moulding, carving, or stamping in which the design stands out from the surface, b piece of sculpture etc. in relief, c representation of relief given by an arrangement of line, colour, or shading. 7 vividness, distinctness (brings the facts out in sharp relief). 8 (foil, by of) reinforcement (esp. the raising of a siege) of a place. 9 esp. Law redress of a hardship or grievance. [French and Italian: related to relieve] relief n. map indicating hills and valleys by shading etc. rather than by contour lines alone.

map

relief

road

n.

road

taking

traffic

around a congested area. relieve /n'li:v/ v. (-ving) 1 bring or give relief to. 2 mitigate the tedium or monotony of. 3 release (a person) from a duty by acting as or providing a substitute. 4 (foil, by of) take (esp. a burden or duty) relieve one's away from (a person).

relievo feelings use strong language or vigorous behaviour when annoyed, relieve oneself urinate or defecate. relieved adj. [Latin relevo raise again, alleviate] relievo /n'liivau/ n. (pi. -s) = relief 6.

[Italian rilievo: related to relief]

relight -lit)

/ri:'lait/ v.

(past

and past

part.

light (a fire etc.) again.

religion

/ri'lid3(9)n/

n.

1

belief in a

superhuman controlling power, esp. in a personal God or gods entitled to obedience and worship. 2 expression of this in worship. 3 particular system of faith and worship. 4 life under monastic vows. 5 thing that one is devoted to. [Latin religio bond]

religiosity /n.lidsi'Dsiti/ n. state of being religious or too religious. [Latin: related to religious]

religious

/ri'lid3as/ -adj. 1 devoted to religion; pious, devout. 2 of or concerned with religion. 3 of or belonging to

a monastic order. 4 scrupulous, conscientious, -n. (pi. same) person bound religiously adv. by monastic vows. [Latin religiosus: related to religion] reline /ri:'lain/ v. (-ning) put a new

garment

lining in (a

/n'linkwiJV v. 1 surrender or resign (a right or possession). 2 give up or cease from (a habit, plan, belief, etc.). 3 relax hold of. relinquishment n. [Latin relinquo -lict- leave behind]

reliquary

/'relikwari/ n. (pi. -ies) esp. Relig. receptacle for a relic or relics. [French reliquaire: related to relic]

relish

/'reliJV -n. 1 (often foil, by for) great liking or enjoyment. 2 a appetizing flavour, b attractive quality. 3 condiment eaten with plainer food to add flavour. 4 (foil, by of) distinctive taste or

tinge. — u. 1 get pleasure out of; enjoy greatly. 2 anticipate with pleasure. [French reles remainder: related to re-

lease]

relive

/ri:'liv/ v. (-ving) live (an experience etc.) over again, esp. in the imagination. reload /ri:'laud/ v. (also absol.) load (esp. a gun) again.

in a

new

place. 2

reluctant by

locate

/,ri:l8u'keit/ v. (-ting) 1

move

(esp. to live or work). /-'keij(a)n/ n.

to a

new

place

relocation

/n'L\kt(8)nt/ adj. (often

foil.

+ infin.) unwilling or disinclined. reluctance n. reluctantly adv.

to

[Latin luctor struggle]

rely

/n'lai/

v.

(-ies, -ied) (foil,

by on,

upon) 1 depend on with confidence or assurance. 2 be dependent on. [Latin religo bind closely] abbr. rapid eye movement.

REM

remade past and past part, of remake. remain /n'mein/ v. 1 be left over after or other parts have been removed, used, or dealt with. 2 be in the same place or condition during further time; stay (remained at home). 3 (foil, by compl.) continue to be (remained calm; remains President). [Latin remaned] remainder -n. 1 residue. 2 remaining persons or things. 3 number left after

others

division or subtraction. 4 copies of a

book left unsold when demand has almost ceased, -v. dispose of (a remainder of books) at a reduced price. [AngloFrench: related to remain]

remains

n.pl.

1

what remains

after

other parts have been removed or used etc. 2 relics of antiquity, esp. of buildings. 3 dead body. remake -v. /ri:'meik/ (-king; past and past part, remade) make again or differently, —n. /'ri:meik/ thing that has been remade, esp. a cinema film. remand /n'ma:nd/ — v. return (a prisoner) to custody, esp. to allow further inquiry, -n. recommittal to custody. on remand in custody

pending

etc.).

relinquish

relocate

remember

765

trial.

[Latin remando] institution to

remand centre n.

which

accused persons are remanded.

remark

/n'ma:k/ 1 (often foil, by that) a say by way of comment, b archaic take notice of; regard with attention. 2 (usu. foil, by on, upon) make a comment. — n. 1 written or spoken comment; anything said. 2 a noticing (worthy of remark), b commenting (let it pass without remark). [French remarquer: related to mark 1 ] remarkable adj. worth notice; exceptional; striking, c remarkably adv. [French remarquable: related to re-

mark]

remarry /ri:'maen/

REME

v. (-ies,

remarriage

again.

/'ri:mi:/

-ied)

marry

n.

abbr. Royal Electrical

and Mechanical Engineers,

remeasure

/ri:'me39(r)/

v.

(-ring)

measure again.

remedial

/n'mi:dial/ adj. 1 affording or intended as a remedy. 2 (of teaching etc.) for slow or disadvantaged pupils. [Latin: related to remedy] /'remidi/ -n. (pi. -ies) (often foil, by for, against) 1 medicine or treat-

remedy ment.

2

means

of counteracting or

removing anything undesirable. 3

re-

dress; legal or other reparation. — v. (-ies, -ied) rectify; make good. remediable /n'mi:diab(9)l/ adj. [Latin remedium from medeor heal] /n'memba(r)/ v. 1 (often foil, by to + infin. or that + clause) keep in the memory; not forget. 2 (also absol.)

remember

1

'

.

remembrance

to

/n'membrans/

n.

1

remembering or being remembered. 2 a memory or recollection. 3 keepsake, souvenir. 4 (in pi.) greetings conveyed through a third person. [French: related

brance Sunday.

1

= Remem-

2 hist. Armistice Day. n.

Sunday

nearest 11 Nov., when those killed in the wars of 1914-18 and 1939-45 and later conflicts are commemorated. remind /n'maind/ v. (usu. foil, by of or to + infin. or that + clause) cause (a person) to remember or think of (reminds me of her father; reminded them of the time). reminder n. 1 thing that reminds, esp. a repeat letter or bill. 2 (often foil, by of)

memento. /.remi'nis/

v.

(-cing) indulge

in reminiscence.

reminiscence

1 /,remi'nis(a)ns/ n. remembering things past. 2 (in pi.) collection in literary form of incidents

and experiences remembered. [Latin reminiscor remember] reminiscent adj. 1 (foil, by of) reminding or suggestive of. 2 concerned with reminiscence. remiss /n'mis/ adj. careless of duty; lax, negligent. [Latin: related to remit] remission /n'mij(a)n/ n. 1 reduction of a prison sentence on account of good behaviour. 2 remitting of a debt or penalty etc. 3 diminution of force, effect, or degree (esp. of disease or pain). 4 (often foil, by of) forgiveness (of sins etc.). [Latin: related to remit] remit -v. /n'mit/ (-tt-) 1 cancel or refrain from exacting or inflicting (a debt, punishment, etc.). 2 abate or slacken; cease partly or entirely. 3 send (money etc.) in payment. 4 a (foil, by to) refer (a matter for decision etc.) to some authority, b send back (a case) to a lower court. 5 postpone or defer. 6 pardon (sins etc.). -n. /'ri:mit/ 1 terms of reference of a committee etc. 2 item [Latin remitted for consideration. remitto -miss-]

remittance

n.

1

money

sent, esp.

by

sending of money,

remittent

adj. (of a fever or disease) abating at intervals, -v. /ri:'miks/ mix again, -n. /'ri:miks/ remixed recording.

remix

remodel

/ri:'mDd(a)l/

v.

US

(-11-;

-1-) 1

W j|! i

D

|

2 recon-

differently.

[.

struct.

remold US war. of remould. remonstrate reman.streit/ /

(foil,

by with) make a

v.

protest;

(-ting)

\\\

argue

1

j

remonstrance /n'mon remonstration /-'strei

forcibly. n.

'

j

n.

Remembrance Sunday

post. 2

/'remnant/ n. 1 small remaining quantity. 2 piece of cloth etc. left when the greater part has been used or sold. [French: related to remain]

strans/

remember]

Remembrance Day

reminisce

remnant

model again or

memory]

remembrance

to

remove

766

bring back into one's thoughts. 3 think of or acknowledge (a person), esp. in making a gift etc. 4 (foil, by to) convey greetings from (one person) to (another) (remember me to John). [Latin: related

J(a)n/

[medieval

n.

monstro

Latin

I

show]

remorse

/n'mo:s/

n. 1

deep regret for a

wrong committed. 2 compunction; compassion, mercy (without remorse). [medieval Latin mordeo mors- bite] filled with repentance

remorseful adj.

remorsefully adv.

remorseless

adj.

without compassion.

remorselessly adv.

remortgage

/ri:'mD:gid3/ -v.

(-ging)

mortgage again; revise the terms of an existing mortgage on (a

(also absol.)

property), -n. different or altered mortgage.

remote

/ri'maut/ adj. (remoter, refar away, far apart, distant. 2 isolated; secluded. 3 distantly related (remote ancestor). 4 slight, faint (a remote hope; not the remotest chance). 5 remotely adv. aloof; not friendly.

motest)

1

remoteness to

n.

[Latin remotus: related

remove]

remote control

n.

1

control of an

apparatus from a distance by means of signals transmitted from a radio or electronic device. 2 such a device. remould (US remold) -v. /ri: mauld/ mould again; refashion. 2 re-form the tread

of

remoulded

(a tyre), tyre.

-n.

/'ri:m9old/

removal

/n'mu:v(8)l/ n. 1 removing or being removed. 2 transfer of furniture etc. on moving house. remove /n'mu:v/ -v. (-ving) 1 take off or away from the place occupied. 2 a convey to another place; change the situation of. b get rid of; dismiss. 3 cause to be no longer present or available; take away (privileges were removed). 4 (in passive; foil, by from) distant or remote in condition (country is not far removed from anarchy). 5 (as removed adj.) (esp. of cousins) separated by a specified number of ste^s of descent (a first cousin twice removed = a grandchild of a first cousin), -n. 1 degree of remoteness; distance. 2 stage in a gradation; degree (several removes from

what I expected). 3 form or division in some schools. removable adj. [Latin removeo

-mot-]

'

•enumerate ri'mju:na,reit v. (-ting) 1 reward; pay for services rendered. 1 2 serve as or provide recompense for remu"(work etc.) or to (a person).

Ineration -'reij\a)n n. remunerative I -rativ adj. [Latin munus -ner- gift] Renaissance n'neis(a)ns n. 1 revival I of art and literature in the I4th-16th

c.

2

I period of this. 3 (often attrib.) style of I art, architecture, etc. developed during I this era. 4 (renaissance) any similar I revival. [French naissance birth]

I I

Renaissance many talents

man

person

n.

with

or pursuits, esp. in the

I humanities.

renal

adj. of the kidneys, 'ri:n(a)l [Latin renes kidneys] p ri:'neim/ v. (-ming) name 1 rename t again; give a new name to.

[renascent n'na?s(amt I up anew; being reborn, I

n

i I

adj.

springing

renascence

-

trenationalize

reorder

767

remunerate

ri:'na5jana,laiz

v.

(also

-ise) (-zing or -sing) nationalize again (an originally nationalized and more recently privatized industry etc.). z

renew

n'nju: v. 1 revive; make new again; restore to the original state. 2 reinforce; resupply; replace. 3 repeat or re-establish, resume after an interruption (renewed our acquaintance). 4 (also absol.) grant or be granted continuation of (a licence, subscription.'lease, etc.). 5

recover (strength

1 curdled milk found stomach of an unweaned calf. 2 preparation made from the stomachmembrane of a calf or from certain fungi, used in making cheese etc.

[probably Old English: related to run] r. (-cing) 1 consent formally to abandon (a claim, right, etc.). 2 repudiate; refuse to recognize any longer. 3 decline further association or disclaim relationship with. [Latin nuntio announce] renovate rena.veit v. (-ting) restore to good condition; repair, z renovation -*veij(a)n n. renovator n. [Latin

renounce n'nauns

novus new]

renown

I

renowned

I

archaic tear or wrench forcibly. [Old English] 1 cause to be or become v. (rendered us helpless). 2 give or pay (money, service, etc.). esp. in return or as a thing due. 3 (often foil, by to) a give (assistance), b show (obedience etc.). c do (a service etc.). 4 submit; send in: present (an account, reason, etc.). 5 a represent or portray, b act (a role), c Mus. perform; execute. 6 translate. 7 (often foil, by down) melt down (fat etc.). 8 cover (stone or brick) with a coat of plaster. : rendering n. (esp. in senses 5, 6, and 8). [Latin reddo give back] rendezvous 'rondi.vu: -n. (pi same /-,vu:z ) 1 agreed or regular meeting-

render I

I

I

meeting by arrangement, —v. (rendezvouses -,vu:z rendezvoused

place. 2

;

-

vu d

at a

:

rendezvousing

-,vu:irj

rendezvous. [French,

)

meet

= present

yourselves]

rendition

ren'dij\a)n n. interpretation or rendering of a dramatic role, piece of music, etc. [French: related to

render]

renegade

'reni,geid

n.

person

who

deserts a party or principles, [medieval Latin: related to renege] renege ri'ni:g. -'neig v. (-ging) (often foil, by on) go back on (one's word etc.). [Latin nego deny]

renegotiate

.rirni'gaoji.ert

v.

(-ting)

(also absol.) negotiate again or on different terms. renegotiation -'eij\a)n/ n.

renewable

.

in the

\;

renationalization -'zeij\a)n n. trend v. (past and past part, rent)

etc.).

renewal n. rennet 'renit n. adj.

tion.

n'naun n. fame, high distinc[French renomer make famous] adj. famous, celebrated.

rent — n. 1 tenant's periodical payment to an owner for the use of land or premises. 2 payment for the use of 1

equipment

etc. -v. 1 (often foil, by from) take, occupy, or use at a rent. 2 (often foil, by out) let or hire (a thing) for rent. (foil, by at) be let at a specified [French rente: related to render]

3

rent

2

n. 1

garment

large tear in a

rate. etc. 2

opening in clouds etc. [from rend] rent 3 past and past part, of rend. 'rent(a)l n. 1 amount paid or received as rent. 2 act of renting. [AngloFrench or Anglo-Latin: related to

rental

rent

1

]

rent-boy

n. young male prostitute. rentier 'rdti.ei n. person living on income from property, investments, etc.

[French]

renumber number

ri:'nAmba(r)

v.

numbers given

or

change the or allocated

to.

renunciation

n,nAnsi'eiJ(a)n

renouncing or giving up.

reoccupy occupy -peij(a)n

reoccur

ri:'okju,pai

again.

1

v.

(-ies,

-ied)

reoccupation

z

n.

,ri:a'k3:(r)

again or habitually. -'k.\rans

n.

2 self-denial,

v. :

(-rr-)

occur

reoccurrence

n.

reopen ri:'aopan v. open again, reorder ri:'o:da(r) -v. 1 order again. 2 put into a new order, -n. renewed or repeated order for goods.

reorganize reorganize

v.

reorganization /-'zeij(9)n/ n. reorient /rii'orn.ent/ v. 1 give a new direction or outlook to (ideas, a person, etc.). 2 help (a person) find his or her bearings again. 3 (refl., often foil, by to) adjust oneself to or come to terms with

something.

reorientate

/rii'oTian.teit/

v.

reorientation

reorient.

(-ting)

=

/-'teij(e)n/

n.

rep

repetition

768

(also -ise) (-zing or -sing) organize differently. /ri:'D:ga,naiz/

their kindness;

book repays

study), a

repayable adj. repayment n. repeal /n'pi:l/ -v. revoke or annul

(a

law etc.). -n. repealing. [French: related to

appeal]

repeat

1 say or do over rehearse, or report (something learnt or heard). 3 recur; appear again. 4 (of food) be tasted after being swallowed due to belching, -n. 1 a repeating, b thing repeated (often attrib. repeat prescription). 2 repeated broadcast. 3 Mus. a passage intended to be repeated., b mark indicating this. 4 pattern repeated in wallpaper etc. repeat itself recur in the same form, repeat oneself say or do the same thing over again. repeatable adj. repeatedly adv. [Latin peto seek] repeater n. 1 person or thing that repeats. 2 firearm which fires several shots without reloading. 3 watch or clock which repeats its last strike when required. 4 device for the retransmission of an electrical message. repel /n'pel/ v. (-11-) 1 drive back; ward off (repel an attacker). 2 refuse to accept (repelled offers of help). 3 be repulsive or distasteful to. 4 resist mixing with or admitting (oil and water repel each other; surface repels moisture). 5 (of a

again.

/n'pi:t/ -v.

2

recite,

:

1

representative, esp. a commercial traveller, [abbreviation] rep 2 n. colloq. 1 repertory. 2 repertory theatre or company, [abbreviation] repack /ri:'paek/ v. pack again, repackage /ri:'paekid3/ v. (-ging) 1 package again or differently. 2 present in a new form. repaid past and past part, of repay. repaint -i>. /ri:'pemt/ 1 paint again or differently. 2 restore the paint or colouring of. -n. /'ri:pemt/ act of repainting. repair 1 /ri'pea(r)/ -v. 1 restore to good condition after damage or wear. 2 set right or make amends for (a loss, wrong, error, etc.). -n. 1 restoring to sound condition (in need of repair). 2 result of this (the repair hardly shows). 3 good or relative condition for working or using (in bad repair). repairable adj. repairer n. [Latin paro make ready] colloq.

n.

repair 2

/ri'pea(r)/

have recourse;

by to) resort; [Latin: related to

v. (foil,

go.

repatriate]

repaper etc.)

/ri:'peipa(r)/

paper

v.

(a wall

again.

reparable

/'repar9b(a)l/ adj. (of a loss

that can be 1 related to repair ] etc.)

reparation amends. 2

/

1

made

good. [Latin:

repa'reiJ'(8)n/ n.

(esp. in pi.)

1

making

compensation for

war damages. repartee /,repa:'ti:/ n. 1 practice or skill of making witty retorts. 2 conversation characterized by such retorts. [French repartie from repartir reply promptly: related to part] repast /n'pa:st/ n. formal 1 meal. 2 food and drink for this. [Latin repasco -pastfeed]

magnetic pole) push away from itself repellent adj. & n. (like poles repel). [Latin repello -puis-] 1 (often foil, by of) feel deep sorrow about one's actions etc. 2 (also absol.) wish one had not done; resolve not to continue (a wrongdoing

repent /n'pent/ v.

etc.).

repentance

n.

repentant

adj.

[Latin paeniteo]

repercussion

/,ri:pa'kAj(8)n/

n.

1

or reaction following an event or act. 2 recoil after impact. 3 echo. [Latin: related to re-] repertoire /'repa,twa:(r)/ n. 1 stock of works that a performer etc. knows or is prepared to perform. 2 stock of techindirect

niques

effect

etc.

(repertoire

of excuses).

[Latin: related to repertory] /'repatari/ n. (pi. -ies)

repertory

1

per-

formance of various plays for short periods by one company. 2 repertory

/ri:'paetri,eit/ (-ting) re-

theatres collectively. 3 store or collec-

turn (a person) to his or her native land. -n. /ri:'paetri8t/ repatriated person.

tion, esp. of information, instances, etc. 4 = repertoire. [Latin reperio find]

repatriate -v.

repatriation /-'eij(9)n/ n. [Latin repatrio go back home, from patria native

n.

theatrical

plays from a

repertoire.

land]

repay

repertory company company that performs

/ri:'pei/

repaid)

1

v.

(past

and past

part.

pay back (money). 2 make

repayment to (a person). 3 requite, reward (a service, action, etc.) (repaid

repetition

/.repa'tifta)!*/ n. 1 a repeating or being repeated, b thing repeated. adj. repetitive repetitious 2 copy.

/n'petativ/ adj.

,-epetitive strain

injury

repetitive strain injury n. painful esp. hand or arm condition resulting from prolonged repetitive movements,

rephrase

/ri:'freiz/

v.

(-sing) express

S differently. :

repine

/n'pam/

(-ning) (often

v.

representation

769

foil,

by

mat, against) fret; be discontented, [from 2 after repent] I' pine replace /n'pleis/ v. (-cing) 1 put back in place. 2 take the place of; succeed; be I substituted for. 3 find or provide a substitute for. 4 (often foil, by with, by) fill I up the place of. I replacement n. 1 replacing or being \ replaced. 2 person or thing that replaces I another. I replant /ri:'pla:nt/ v. 1 transfer (a plant etc.). 2 plant (ground) again, [ (replay -v. /ri:'plei/ play (a match, recording, etc.) again, -n. /'ri:plei/ reI playing of a match, recorded incident in a game, etc. replenish /n'plemJV v. 1 (often foil, by | with) fill up again. 2 renew (a supply

speech, law case, etc., esp. for newspaper publication or broadcast. 3 common talk; rumour. 4 way a person or thing is spoken of (hear a good report of you). 5 periodical statement on (esp. a school pupil's) work, conduct, etc. 6 sound of a gunshot etc. a reportedly adv. [Latin porto bring]

,

I;

tl

[

I

replenishment

etc.).

plenir from plein

[French

n.

full]

I

replete

by with) or wellI supplied. repletion n. [Latin pleo fill] replica /'replika/ n. 1 exact copy, esp. a duplicate of a work, made by the original artist. 2 copy or model, esp. on a smaller scale. [Italian replicare reply] |'

I

1

/n'pliit/ adj. (often foil,

well-fed,

gorged.

2

filled

|

|

i

!

reply /n'plai/ -v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foil, by to) make an answer, respond in word or action. 2 say in answer, -n. (pi -ies) 1 replying (what did they say in reply?). 2 what is replied; response. [Latin replico fold back] repoint /ri:'pomt/ v. point (esp. brick-

work) again.

repopulate

/ri:'pDpjo\leit/

v.

(-ting)

populate again or increase the population

of.

report /n'poit/ -v.

a bring back or give an account of. b state as fact or news, narrate or describe or repeat, esp. as an eyewitness or hearer etc. c relate as spoken by another. 2 make an official or formal statement about. 3 (often foil, by to) bring (an offender or offence) to the 1

attention of the authorities. 4 (often foil, by to) present oneself to a person as having returned or arrived. 5 (also absol.) take

down word

for word,

sum-

marize, or write a description of for publication. 6 make or send in a report. 7 (foil, by to) be responsible to (a superior etc.). -n. 1 account given or opinion formally expressed after investigation or consideration. 2 description, summary, or reproduction of a scene,

reportage /,repo:'ta:3/ n. 1 reporting news for the media. 2 typical style

of of this. 3 factual journalistic material in a book etc. [from report, after French] reported speech n. speaker's words with the person, tense, etc. adapted, e.g. he said that he would go. reporter n. person employed to report news etc. for the media. repose 1 /ri'pauz/ -n. 1 cessation of activity, excitement, or toil. 2 sleep. 3 peaceful or quiescent state; tranquillity. -v. (-sing) 1 (also refl.) lie down in rest. 2 (often foil, by in, on) lie, be lying or laid, esp. in sleep or death. [Latin: related to pause] repose 2 /n'pouz/ v. (-sing) (foil, by in) place (trust etc.) in. [from re-, pose] reposeful adj. showing or inducing reposefully adv. [from repose.

repose 1 ]

reposition

/,ri:pa'zij(a)n/

v.

1

move

or

place in a different position. 2 alter one's position.

repository /ri'pozitari/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 place where things are stored or may be found, esp. a warehouse or museum. 2 foil, by of) a book, regarded as a store of inb recipient of secrets 2 [Latin: related to repose ]

receptacle. 3 (often

person,

etc.

formation etc.

etc.

repossess

/,ri:p9'zes/

v.

regain posses-

sion of (esp. property on which payment is in arrears). repossession n. repot /ri:'pDt/ v. (-tt-) move (a plant) to

another, esp. larger, pot.

reprehend

/.repri'hend/

v.

formal

rebuke; find fault with. [Latin prehendo seize]

reprehensible

/,repri'hensib(a)l/ adj.

blameworthy.

represent

1

/.repri'zent/ v. 1 stand for or correspond to. 2 (often in passive) be a specimen of. 3 embody; symbolize. 4

place a likeness of before the mind or senses. 5 (often foil, by as, to be) describe or depict as; declare. 6 (foil, by that) allege. 7 show, or play the part of, on stage. 8 be a substitute or deputy for; be entitled to act or speak for. 9 be elected as a member of a legislature etc. by. 2 [Latin: related to present ]

represent 2 cheque

etc.)

/

(

ri:pn'zent/

representation 1

v.

submit

(a

again for payment. /,repnzen'teij(8)n/ n.

representing or being represented. 2

representational

reprinted.

reprisal

,ri'praiz(9)l/ n.

[medieval

ation,

Latin:

act of retalirelated to

reprehend]

reprise

/n'pri:z/ n.

1

repeated passage

in music. 2 repeated item in a musical programme. [French: related to re-

prieve]

repro

/'ri:prao/ n. (pi. -s) (often attrib.)

colloq.

reproduction or copy, [abbrevi-

reprobate

/'repra.beit/ n. unprincipled or immoral person. [Latin: related to prove] reprocess /ri:'prauses/ v. process again or differently.

reproduce

/ri'prautJV

— v.

express disap-

proval to (a person or oneself) for a fault, -n. 1 rebuke or censure. 2 (often foil, by to) thing that brings disgrace or discredit. 3 state of disgrace or discredit. (or

beyond) reproach

perfect,

blameless. [French reprochier] reproachful adj. full of or expressing reproach, reproachfully adv.

/,ri:pra'dju:s/

v.

(-cing)

1

produce a copy or representation of. 2 cause to be seen or heard etc. again (tried to reproduce the sound exactly). 3 produce further members of the same species by natural means. 4 refl. produce offspring, z reproducible adj.

reproduction

,

n. 1 / ri:pr8 dAkJ(a)n reproducing or being reproduced, esp. the production of further members of the same species. 2 copy of a work of art. 3 (attrib.) (of furniture etc.) imitating an earlier style. 4 quality of reproduced sound, z reproductive adj.

reprogram

/

1

/ri:'praugraem/

v.

(also

reprogramme) (-mm-; US -m-) program (esp. a computer) again or differently, z reprogramable adj. (also reprogrammable).

reproof

/n'pru:f/

formal

n.

1

blame

(glance of reproof). 2 rebuke. [French reprove: related to reprove]

reprove rebuke

/n'pru:v/

(a person,

v.

(-ving)

conduct,

formal

etc.). [Latin:

related to reprobate] reptile /'reptail/ n. 1 cold-blooded scaly animal of a class including snakes, lizards,

crocodiles,

turtles,

tortoises,

2 mean, grovelling, or repulsive person, z reptilian /-'tilian/ adj. & n. [Latin repo rept- creep] republic /n'pAblik/ n. State in which supreme power is held by the people or their elected representatives or by an elected or nominated president, not by a monarch etc. [Latin res concern: related to public] republican -adj. 1 of or constituted as a republic. 2 characteristic of a republic. 3 advocating or supporting republican government. -n. 1 person advocating or supporting republican government. 2 (Republican) a US supporter of the Republican Party, b Ir. supporter of the IRA or Sinn Fein, z republicanism n. republish /ri:'pAbliJ7 v. publish again or in a new edition etc. z republicaetc.

tion

ation]

reproach

above

repudiate

770

thing that represents another. 3 (esp. in pi.) statement made of allegations or opinions. representational adj. Art depicting a subject as it appears to the eye. representative /.repn'zentativ/ -adj. 1 typical of a class. 2 containing typical specimens of all or many classes (representative sample). 3 a consisting of elected deputies etc. b based on representation by these (representative government). 4 (foil, by of) serving as a portrayal or symbol of. -n. 1 (foil, by of) sample, specimen, or typical embodiment of. 2 a agent of a person or society, b commercial traveller. 3 delegate; substitute. 4 deputy etc. in a representative assembly. [French or medieval Latin: related to represent 1 ] repress /n'pres/ v. 1 a keep under; quell, b suppress; prevent from sounding, rioting, or bursting out. 2 Psychol. actively exclude (an unwelcome thought) from conscious awareness. 3 (usu. as repressed adj.) subject (a person) to the suppression of his or her thoughts or impulses, z repression n. repressive adj. [Latin: related to press 1 ] reprice /ri:'prais/ v. (-cing) price again or differently. reprieve /n'pri:v/ -v. (-ving) 1 remit or postpone the execution of (a condemned person). 2 give respite to. -n. 1 a reprieving or being reprieved, b warrant for this. 2 respite, [repry from French reprendre -pris take back] reprimand /'repn,ma:nd/ -n. (esp. official) rebuke, -f. administer this to. [Latin: related to repress] reprint -v. /ri.'print/ print again, -n. /'ri:pnnt/ 1 reprinting of a book etc. 2 book etc. reprinted. 3 quantity

/-'keij\a)n/ n.

repudiate

/n'pju:di,eit/ v. (-ting) 1 a disown, disavow, reject, b refuse dealings with, c deny. 2 refuse to recognize or obey (authority or a treaty). 3 refuse to discharge (an obligation or debt), z

repudiation dium divorce]

Usage

/-'eij(8)n/ n.

See note at

[Latin repu-

refute.

!

I

repugnance /n'pAgnans/ n. 1 antipathy; aversion. 2 inconsistency or in-

;

compatibility of ideas etc. [Latin

pugno

fight]

i

repugnant adj.

1

extremely distasteful.

2 contradictory.

I

>

!

(-sing) 1 drive back by force of arms. 2 a rebuff, b refuse, -n. 1 repulsing or being repulsed. 2 rebuff. [Latin: related to repel] repulsion /n'pAlJXa)n/ n. 1 aversion, disgust. 2 Physics tendency of bodies to repel each other. repulsive /n'pAlsiv/ adj. causing averrepulssion or loathing; disgusting. ively adv. [French repulsif or repulse] repurchase /ri:'p3:tfis/-i;. (-sing) purchase again, —n. act of purchasing again. /'repjutab(a)l/ adj. of good repute; respectable. [French or medieval Latin: related to repute]

{

reputation

/,repju'teij(a)n/ n. 1

what is

generally said or believed about a person's or thing's character {reputation for honesty; reputation of being a crook). 2 state of being well thought of; respectability {lost its reputation). [Latin: related to repute] repute /n'pju:t/ -n. reputation, -v. (as reputed adj.) 1 be generally considered {is reputed to be the best). 2 passing as, but probably not {his reputed father). reputedly adv. [Latin puto think] request /n'kwest/ —n. 1 act of asking for something {came at his request). 2 thing asked for. —v. 1 ask to be given, allowed, or favoured with. 2 (foil, by to + infin.) ask (a person) to do something. 3 (foil, that) ask that. by (or on) request in response to an expressed wish. [Latin: related to require] request stop n. bus-stop at which a bus

by

'

stops only

requiem

if requested. /'rekwiam/ n.

(also attrib. ) chiefly

1

RC Ch.

(Requiem) mass for the

repose of the souls of the dead. 2 music for this. [Latin,

require

=

rest]

/n'kwaia(r)/

v.

(-ring)

1

need;

depend on for success or fulfilment {the

work requires patience). 2 lay down as an imperative {required by law). 3 command; instruct (a person etc.). 4 order; insist

on (an action or measure).

requirement

n.

[Latin requiro -quisit-

seek]

requisite

/'rekwizit/ -adj. required by circumstances; necessary to success etc. -n. (often foil, by for) thing needed (for some purpose). [Latin: related to

require]

requisition

/,rekwi'ziJXa)n/ -n. 1 offiorder laying claim to the use of property or materials. 2 formal written cial

demand

that some duty should be performed. 3 being called or put into service, -v. demand the use or supply of, esp. by requisition order. [Latin: related to require]

requite /n'kwait/

repulse /n'pAls/ -v.

reputable

i

research

771

repugnance

v.

(-ting)

1

make

re-

turn for (a service). 2 reward or avenge (a favour or injury). 3 (often foil, by for) make return to (a person). 4 reciprocate (love etc.). requital n. [from re-, quite '"=

QUIT]

reran past of rerun. reread /ri:'ri:d/ v. {past and past reread

part.

read again, rerecord /,ri:n'ko:d/ v. record again, reredos /'nados/ n. ornamental screen covering the wall at the back of an altar. [Anglo-French: related to arrears, dos back] /-'red/)

re-release

/,ri:n'li:s/ -v. (-sing) release record, film, etc.) again, -n. rereleased record, film, etc. re-route /ri:'ru:t/ v. (-teing) send or carry by a different route. rerun -v. /ri:'rAn/ (-nn-; past reran; past part, rerun) 1 run (a race, film, etc.) again. 2 repeat (a course of action). -72. /'ri:rAn/ 1 act of rerunning. 2 film shown again. 3 repetition (of etc. events). resale /ri:'seil/ n. sale of a thing previously bought. resat past and past part, of resit.

(a

reschedule

-'sked3ual/

/ri:'Jeaju:l,

(-ling) alter the

v.

schedule

of; replan. abrogate, revoke, rescission /-'si3(a)n/ n. [Latin cancel. rescindo -sciss- cut off]

rescind /n'smd/

rescript

v.

/ri:'sknpt/

n.

1

Roman em-

peror's or Pope's written reply to an appeal for a decision. 2 official edict or announcement. [Latin rescribo -scriptreply in writing] rescue /'reskju:/ -v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) (often foil, by from) save or set free from danger or harm. -n. rescuing or being rescuer n. [Romanic: rescued. related to re-, ex- quash] resealreseal /ri:'si:l/ v. seal again. 1

,

able

adj.

research attrib.)

/ri's3:tj\ "ri:s3:tJ7 -n. (often systematic investigation and

study of materials, sources, etc., in order to establish facts and reach conclusions, -v. do research into or for. researcher n. [French: related to search]

Usage The second pronunciation, with the stress on the first syllable, is considered incorrect by some people.

research and development research and development

n.

directed towards the innovation, introduction, and improvement of products and processes. resell /ri:'sel/ v. {past and past part. resold) sell (an object etc.) after buying

/n'zemblans/ n. likeness or similarity. [Anglo-French: related to

resemble]

resemble /n'zemb(8)l/

v.

(-ling)

be

like;

have a similarity to, or the same appearance as. [French sembler seem]

resent

/n'zent/ v. feel indignation at; be aggrieved by (a circumstance, action, or

person). [Latin sentio feel] adj. feeling resentment. resentfully adv.

resentful

resentment

n. indignant or bitter feelings. [Italian or French: related to re-

sent]

reservation /,rez8'veiJXa)n/ n.

1

reserv-

ing or being reserved. 2 thing booked, e.g. a room in a hotel. 3 spoken or unspoken limitation or exception to an agreement etc. 4 (in full central reservation) strip of land between the carriageways of a road. 5 area of land reserved for occupation by American Indians etc. [Latin: related to reserve] reserve /n'z3:v/ —v. (-ving) 1 put aside, keep back for a later occasion or special use. 2 order to be specially retained or allocated for a particular person or at a particular time. 3 retain or secure {reserve the right to), -n. 1 thing reserved for future use; extra amount. 2 limitation or exception attached to something. 3 self-restraint; reticence; lack of cordiality. 4 company's profit added to capital. 5 (in sing, or pi.) assets kept readily available. 6 (in sing, or pi.) a troops withheld from action to reinforce or protect others, b forces in addition to the regular army etc., but available in an emergency. 7 member of the military reserve. 8 extra player chosen as a possible substitute in a team. 9 land reserved for special use, esp. as a habin reserve itat {nature reserve). unused and available if required, reserve judgement postpone giving one's opinion. [Latin servo keep] reserved adj. 1 reticent; slow to reveal emotion or opinions; uncommunicative. 2 set apart, destined for a particular use.

reserve price

n.

price stipulated for auction. n.

lowest acceptable an item sold at

member

of the military

reserve.

reservoir

water supply. 2 receptacle for fluid. 3 supply of information etc. [French: related to reserve]

reset

/ri:'set/ v. (-tt-;

/'reza,vwa:(r)/ n. 1 large natural or artificial lake as a source of

past and past part.

reset) set (a bone, gems, a clock etc.) again or differently.

resettle

it.

resemblance

reservist

resign

772

work

/ri:'set(a)l/

again or elsewhere.

reshape

/ri:'Jeip/

v.

v.

(-ling)

settle

resettlement

n.

(-ping) shape or

form again or differently. reshuffle /ri:'jAf(8)l/ -v.

(ling) 1 shuffle (cards) again. 2 change the posts of (government ministers etc.). -n. act of reshuffling. reside /n'zaid/ v. (-ding) 1 have one's home, dwell permanently. 2 (foil, by in) (of power, a right, etc.) be vested in. 3 (foil, by in) (of a quality) be present or inherent in. [Latin sedeo sit] residence /'rezid(a)ns/ n. 1 process of residing or being resident. 2 a place where a person resides, b house, esp. one of pretension. in residence living or working at a specified place, esp. for the performance of duties {artist in residence).

residency residence

1 = permanent or regular

/'rezidansi/ n. {pi. -ies)

1,

2a. 2

engagement of a musician, artist, etc., in one place. resident -n. 1 (often foil, by of) a per-

manent

inhabitant, b non-migratory species of bird. 2 guest in a hotel etc. staying overnight, —adj. 1 residing; in residence. 2 having quarters at one's workplace etc. {resident housekeeper). 3 located in. 4 (of birds etc.) non-

migratory.

residential

/,rezi'denj(a)l/ adj. 1 suit-

able for or occupied by dwellings {residential area). 2 used as a residence {residential hotel). 3 based on or connected with residence {residential course).

residual

/n'zidjual/ —adj. left as a residue or residuum, —n. residual quantity. 1 of the residue of an estate {residuary bequest). 2

residuary /n'zidjuari/ adj. residual.

/'rezi.dju:/ n. 1 what is left over or remains; remainder. 2 what remains of an estate after the payment of charges, debts, and bequests. [Latin residuum: related to residuum] residuum /n'zidjuam/ n. {pi. -dua) 1 substance left after combustion or evaporation. 2 residue. [Latin: related to

residue

reside]

resign /n'zam/ v. 1 (often foil, by from) give up office, one's employment, etc. 2 relinquish, surrender (a right, task, etc.). 3 refl. (usu. foil, by to) reconcile (oneself etc.) to the inevitable. [Latin signo sign]

re-sign re-sign

/ri:'sam/ v. sign again. /,rezig'neij(a)n/

resignation

n.

1

from one's job or office. 2 conveying this. 3 reluctant

resigning, esp. letter etc.

acceptance of the inevitable, [medieval Latin: related to resign] resigned adj. 1 (often foil, by to) having resigned oneself; resolved to endure. 2 resignedly /-nidli/ indicative of this adv.

resilient /n'ziliant/ adj. 1 resuming its original shape after compression etc. 2 readily recovering from a setback. resilience n. [Latin: related to salient] resin /'rezin/ -n. 1 adhesive substance secreted by some plants and trees. 2 (in full synthetic resin) organic compound made by polymerization etc. and used in plastics, -v. (-n-) rub or treat resinous adj. [Latin] with resin. resist /n'zist/ -v. 1 withstand the action or effect of. 2 stop the course or progress 3 abstain from (pleasure, temptation, 4 strive against; try to impede; refuse to comply with (resist arrest). 5 offer opposition; refuse to comply, -n. protective coating of a resistant substance. resistible adj. [Latin sisto of.

etc.).

stop]

resistance n. 1 resisting; refusal to comply. 2 power of resisting. 3 ability to withstand disease. 4 impeding or stopping effect exerted by one thing on another. 5 Physics property of hindering the conduction of electricity, heat, etc. 6 resistor. 7 secret organization resisting a regime, esp. in an occupied country. resistant adj. [Latin: related to resist] resistor n. device having resistance to the passage of an electric current. resit -v. /ri:'sit/ (-tt-; past and past part. resat) sit (an examination) again after failing, -n. /'ri:sit/ 1 resitting of an examination. 2 examination specifically for this.

resold past and past part, of resell. resoluble /ri'zDljub(8)l/ adj. 1 that can be resolved. 2

by

into) analysabJe resolve] resolute /'reza,lu:t/ adj. determined, decided, firm of purpose. resolutely adv. [Latin: related to resolve] (foil,

into. [Latin: related to

resolution

/,rez9'lu:J(a)n/ n. 1 resolute

temper or character. 2 thing resolved on; intention. 3 formal expression of opinion or intention by a legislative body or public meeting. 4 (usu. foil, by of)

solving of a doubt, problem, or quesseparation into components. 6

tion. 5

by into) conversion into another form. 7 Mus. causing discord to pass into concord. 8 a smallest interval (foil,

resource

773

measurable by a scientific instrument, b resolving power. /n'zDlv/ -v. (-ving) 1 make up one's mind; decide firmly (resolved to leave, on leaving). 2 cause (a person) to do this (events resolved him to leave). 3 solve, explain, or settle (a doubt, argument, etc.). 4 (foil, by that) (of an assembly or meeting) pass a resolution by vote. 5 (often foil, by into) (cause to) separate into constituent parts; analyse. 6 (foil, by into) reduce by mental analysis into. 7 Mus. convert or be converted into concord, -n. firm mental decision or intention; determination. [Latin: related to solve] resolved adj. resolute, determined.

resolve

resonant

/'rezanant/ adj.

1

(of

sound)

echoing, resounding; continuing to sound; reinforced or prolonged by reflection or vibration. 2 (of a body, room, etc.) tending to reinforce or prolong sounds, esp. by vibration. 3 (often foil, by with) (of a place) resounding. resonance n. [Latin: related to re-

sound]

resonate /'reza.neit/ v. (-ting) produce or show resonance; resound. resonator n. [Latin: related to resonant] resort /n'zD:t/ -n. 1 place frequented esp. for holidays or for a specified purpose or quality (seaside resort; health resort). 2 a thing to which one has

recourse; expedient, measure, b (foil, by to) recourse to; use of (without resort to violence). -v. 1 (foil, by to) turn to as an expedient (resorted to force). 2 (foil, by to) go often or in large numbers to. in the (or as a) last resort when all else has failed. [French sortir go out] re-sort /ri:'so:t/ v. sort again or differently.

resound

/n'zaund/ v. 1 (often foil, by with) (of a place) ring or echo. 2 (of a

voice, instrument, sound, etc.)

produce

echoes; go on sounding; fill a place with sound. 3 a (of a reputation etc.) be much talked of. b (foil, by through) produce a sensation. 4 (of a place) re-echo (a 1 sound). [Latin: related to sound ] resounding adj. 1 ringing, echoing. 2 notable, emphatic (a resounding success).

resource

/n'zo:s/ -n.

1

expedient or

device. 2 (often in pi.) means available; stock or supply that can be drawn on; asset. 3 (in pi.) country's collective wealth. 4 skill in devising expedients (person of great resource). 5 (in pi.) one's inner strength, ingenuity, etc. -v. (-cing) provide with resources. resourceful adj. (in sense 4). resourcefully adv. resourcefulness n. [French: related to source]

respect respect

/ri'spekt/

-rc.

1

deferential

esteem felt or shown towards a person or quality. 2 (foil, by of, for) heed or regard. 3 aspect, detail, etc. {correct in all respects). 4 reference, relation (with respect to). 5 (in pi.) polite messages or attentions (give her my respects), -v. 1 regard with deference or esteem. 2 a avoid interfering with or harming, b treat with consideration, c refrain from offending (a person, feelings, etc.). in respect of (or with respect to) as concerns. respecter n. [Latin respicio -spect- look back at] respectable adj. 1 of acceptable social standing; decent and proper in appearance or behaviour. 2 fairly competent (a respectable try). 3 reasonably good in condition, appearance, number, size, respectability

etc.

/-

biliti/

n.

re-

spectably adv. respectful adj. showing deference. respectfully adv.

respecting

prep, with regard

respective

adj. of or relating to

con-

each of

several individually (go to your respective seats). [French or medieval Latin: related to respect] respectively adv. for each separately or in turn, and in the order mentioned (she and I gave £10 and £1 respectively). /ri:'spel/ v.

(past

and past part.

respelt or respelled) spell again or differently, esp. phonetically. /,respo'reiJXa)n/ n. 1 a breathing, b single breath in or out. 2 Biol, (in living organisms) the absorption of oxygen and the release of energy and carbon dioxide. [Latin spiro breathe] respirator /'respa.reito(r)/ n. 1 apparatus worn over the face to warm, filter, or purify inhaled air. 2 apparatus for

respiration

maintaining

respire

artificial respiration.

v. (-ring) 1 (also absol.) breathe (air etc.); inhale and exhale. 2 (of a plant) carry out respira-

tion.

/n'spaia(r)/

respiratory

respite

/ri'spiratari/ adj.

1 interval of rest or delay permitted before the discharge of an obligation or the suffering of a penalty. [Latin: related to respect]

/'respait/ n.

relief. 2

resplendent

/ri'splend(a)nt/ adj. brilor gloriously bright.

liant, dazzlingly

resplendence

n.

[Latin

resplendeo

shine]

respond

respondent

-n. defendant, esp. in an appeal or divorce case. -adj. in the position of defendant. response /n'spons/ n. 1 answer given in a word or act; reply. 2 feeling, movement, or change caused by a stimulus or influence. 3 (often in pi.) any part of the liturgy said or sung in answer to the priest. [Latin: related to respond]

responsibility

/ri.sponsa'biliti/ n. (pi

a (often foil, by for, of) being responsible, b authority; managerial freedom (job with more responsibility). 2 person or thing for which one is -ies) 1

responsible; duty, commitment. 3 capacity for rational responsibility).

responsible

conduct (diminished

/n'spDnsab(a)l/

adj.

1

(often foil, by to, for) liable to be called to account (to a person or for a thing). 2 morally accountable for one's actions; capable of rational conduct. 3 of good credit, position, or repute; respectable;

to;

cerning.

respell

rest

774

/n'spond/ v. 1 answer, reply. 2 act or behave in a corresponding manner. 3 (usu. foil, by to) show sensitiveness to by behaviour or change (does not respond to kindness). 4 (of a congregation) make set answers to a priest etc. [Latin respondeo -spons-]

evidently trustworthy. 4 (often foil, by for) being the primary cause. 5 involvresponsibly adv. ing responsibility. responsive /n'sponsiv/ adj. 1 (often foil, by to) responding readily (to some influence). 2 sympathetic. 3 a answerresponsiveing, b by way of answer.

ness

n.

respray -v.

/ri:'sprei/ spray again (esp. a vehicle with paint), -n. /'ri:sprei/ act of respraying. rest -v. 1 cease from exertion, action, etc. 2 be still or asleep, esp. to refresh oneself or recover strength. 3 give relief or repose to; allow to rest. 4 (foil, by on, upon, against) lie on; be supported by. 5 (foil, by on, upon) depend or be based on. 6 (foil, by on, upon) (of a look) alight or be steadily directed on. 7 (foil, by'on, upon) place for support or foundation on. 8 (of a problem or subject) be left without further investigation or discussion (let the matter rest). 9 a lie in death, b (foil, by in) lie buried in (a churchyard etc.). 10 (as rested adj.) refreshed by resting, -n. 1 repose or sleep. 2 cessation of exertion, activity, etc. 3 period of resting. 4 support for holding or steadying something. 5 Mus. a interval of at rest silence, b sign denoting this. not moving; not agitated or troubled; dead, be resting euphem. (of an actor) be out of work, rest one's case conclude one's argument etc. rest on one's laurels not seek further success, rest on one's oars relax one's efforts, set at rest settle or relieve (a question, a person's mind, etc.). [Old English] rest 2 -n. (prec. by the) the remaining part or parts; the others; the remainder 1

estart

2

for the rest as regards

wjoith you).

1 anything

else.

estart -v.

[French r ester remain] start again, -n.

/ri:'sta:t/

of restarting.

I/'ri:sta:t/ act

estate /ri:'steit/ v. (-ting) express again relor differently, esp. for emphasis. 1 statement n.

restaurant

/'resta.mnt/ n. public pre-

Imises where meals may be bought and eaten. [French from restaurer restore] n.

res-

taurant-keeper.

est-cure n. rest usu. of some weeks as la medical treatment. restful adj. giving rest or a feeling of l

rest; quiet, undisturbed. wadv. restfulness n.

home

restfully

n.

restitution

/,resti'tju:J(8)n/ n. 1 restor-

ling of a thing to its proper owner. 2 reparation for an injury (esp. make I

restitution). [Latin]

restive /'restiv/ adj.

1

fidgety; restless. 2

(of a horse) jibbing; refractory. 3 (of a

I

person) resisting control. restively adv. restiveness n. [French: related to REST 2 ] I restless adj. 1 without rest or sleep. 2 I uneasy; agitated. 3 constantly in motion, fidgeting, etc. restlessly adv. restlessness n. [Old English: related to REST restock /rr.'stnk/ v. (also absol.) stock again or differently. I I

I

I

1

t

]

restoration |

i

'

1

/,resta'reij(9)n/ n.

restraint

n. 1

1

restor-

ing or being restored. 2 model or representation of the supposed original form of a thing. 3 (Restoration) hist, a (prec. by the) re-establishment of the British monarchy in 1660. b (often attrib.) literary period following this (Restoration comedy). restorative /n'storativ/ -adj. tending to restore health or strength, -n. restorative medicine, food, etc. restore /n'sto:(r)/ v. (-ring) 1 bring back to the original state by rebuilding, repairing, etc. 2 bring back to health etc. 3 give back to the original owner etc. 4 reinstate. 5 replace; put back; bring back to a former condition. 6 make a representation of the supposed original state of (a ruin, extinct animal, etc.). restorer n. [Latin restauro] restrain /n'strem/ v. 1 (often refl., usu. foil, by from) check or hold in; keep in check, under control, or within bounds.

restraining or being re-

strained. 2 restraining agency or influence. 3 moderation; self-control. 4 reserve of manner. 5 confinement, esp. because of insanity. restrict /n'stnkt/ v. 1 confine, limit. 2 withhold from general circulation or disclosure. restriction n. [Latin: related to restrain] restrictive /n'stnktiv/ adj. restricting. [French or medieval Latin: related to restrict]

practice

n.

agreement

that limits competition or output in industry. rest n. esp. US public lavatory. restructure /ri:'strAktj9(r)/ v. (-ring) give a new structure to; rebuild; re-

room

arrange.

restyle

place where old or con1 valescent people are cared for.

rest

2 repress, keep down. 3 confine, imprison. [Latin restringo -strict-]

restrictive

restaurant car n. dining-car. restaurateur /,restara't3:(r)/ I

resurrection

775

some quantity or number, -v. 1 reInain in a specified state (rest assured). (foil, by with) be left in the hands or Ipharge of (the final arrangements rest |j)f

/ri:'stail/

v.

reshape;

(-ling)

remake in a new style. result /n'zAlt/-rc. 1 consequence, issue, or outcome of something. 2 satisfactory outcome (gets results). 3 end product of calculation. 4 (in pi.) list of scores or winners etc. in examinations or sporting events, —p. 1 (often foil, by from) arise as the actual, or follow as a logical, consequence. 2 (often foil, by in) have a specified end or outcome (resulted in a large profit). [Latin resulto spring back] resultant -adj. resulting, esp. as the total outcome of more or less opposed forces, -n. force etc. equivalent to two or more acting in different directions at the same point. resume /n'zju:m/ v. (-ming) 1 begin again or continue after an interruption. 2 begin to speak, work, or use again; recommence. 3 get back; take back (resume one's seat). [Latin sumo sumpttake]

resume

/'rezju.mei/

n.

[French: related to resume] resumption /n'zAmpJ(8)n/

summary. n.

resum-

resumptive adj. [Latin: related ing. to resume] resurface

/ri:'s3:fis/ v. (-cing) 1 lay a surface on (a road etc.). 2 return to the surface. 3 turn up again, resurgent /n's3:d3(a)nt/ adj. rising or resurgence n. [Latin arising again. resurgo -surrect- rise again] resurrect /.reza'rekt/ v. 1 colloq. revive the practice, use, or memory of. 2 raise or rise from the dead, [back-formation

new

from resurrection]

resurrection

/,reza'rekj(8)n/ n.

1

ris-

ing from the dead. 2 (Resurrection) Christ's rising from the dead. 3 revival after disuse, inactivity, or decay. [Latin: related to resurgent]

resuscitate

retractili

776

resuscitate /n'sAsi.teit/ v. (-ting) 1 revive from unconsciousness or apparent death. 2 revive, restore. resuscitation /-'teiJXa)n/ n. [Latin suscito raise] retail /'ri.teil/ -n. sale of goods in small quantities to the public, and usu. not for resale, -adj. & adv. by retail; at a retail price, -v. 1 sell (goods) by retail. 2 (often foil, by at, of) (of goods) be sold in this way (esp. for a specified price). 3 /also n'teil/ recount; relate details of. retailer n. [French taillier cut: related to tally]

retain

/n'tein/ v. 1 a keep possession of; not lose; continue to have, b not abolish, discard, or alter. 2 keep in one's memory. 3 keep in place; hold fixed. 4 secure the services of (a person, esp. a barrister) with a preliminary payment.

reticence

avoidance o saying all one knows or feels, or mor«. than is necessary. 2 disposition t< silence; taciturnity. reticent aa\) [Latin reticeo keep silent] reticulate -v. /ri'tikju.leit/ (-ting) di vide or be divided in fact or appearand into a network, -adj. /n'tikjulat/ reticu lated. reticulation /-'leij(a)n/ n [Latin reticulum diminutive of rete net retie /ri.'tai/ v. (retying) tie again. retina /'retina/ n. (pi. -s or -nae /-,ni:/ layer at the back of the eyeball sensitivr to light. retinal adj. [Latin rete net] retinue /'reti.nju:/ n. body of attendants accompanying an important person /'retis(a)ns/ n. 1

1

;

,

[French: related to retain]

retire

1 fee for securing a person's services. 2 faithful servant (esp. old retainer). 3 reduced rent paid to retain

/n'taia(r)/ v. (-ring) 1 a leave or employment, esp. because o age. b cause (a person) to retire fron' work. 2 withdraw, go away, retreat. 2' seek seclusion or shelter. 4 go to bed. ! withdraw (troops). 6 Cricket (of a bats

unoccupied accommodation. 4 person

man) voluntarily end or be compelled tc

[Latin retineo

-tent-]

retainer n.

or thing that retains.

retake -v.

/ri:'teik/

(-king; past retook;

past part, retaken) 1 take (a photograph, exam, etc.) again. 2 recapture. -n. /'rirteik/ 1 act of filming a scene or recording music etc. again. 2 film or recording obtained in this way. 3 act of taking an exam etc. again. retaliate /n'taeli.eit/ v. (-ting) repay an

office

suspend one's innings. retire into oneself become uncommunicative or unsociable. [French tirer draw] retired adj. 1 having retired from employment. 2 withdrawn from society or observation; secluded.

retirement n.1a one's

life

retiring, b period of as a retired person. 2 seclu-

sion.

injury, insult, etc. in kind; attack in return. retaliation /-'eij(a)n/ n. retaliatory /-'taelj atari/ adj. [Latin talis

retirement pension

such]

retiring adj. shy; fond of seclusion. retold past and past part, of retell.

retard

/n'ta:d/

v. 1

make slow

or

late. 2

delay the progress or accomplishment of. /

(

retardant

adj.

&

n.

ri:ta:'deiJXa)n/ n. [Latin

retarded

adj.

retardation

tardus slow] in mental or

backward

physical development.

retch v. make a motion of vomiting, esp. involuntarily and without effect. [Old English] v. (past and past part. again or differently. retention /n'tenJXa)n/ n. 1 retaining or being retained. 2 condition of retain-

retell

/rii'tel/

retold)

tell

ing bodily fluid (esp. urine) normally evacuated. [Latin: related to retain] /n'tentiv/ adj. 1 tending to retain. 2 (of memory etc.) not forgetful. [French or medieval Latin: related to retain]

retentive

retexture

/ri:'tekstja(r)/ v. (-ring) treat (material, a garment, etc.) so as to restore its original texture. rethink -v. /ri:'8ink/ (past and past part, rethought) consider again, esp. with a view to making changes, -n. /'ri:8irjk/ reassessment; rethinking.

by the State

n.

pension paid above a

to retired people

certain age.

retook past retort angry

1

of retake.

/n*to:t/

-n. incisive, witty, or 1 a say by way of a a retort. 2 repay (an

reply, -v.

retort,

b

make

insult or attack) in kind. [Latin retor-tort- twist] retort 2 /n'to:t/ -n. 1 vessel with a long neck turned downwards, used in distil ling liquids. 2 vessel for heating coal tc generate gas. -v. purify (mercury) by heating in a retort, [medieval Latin 1 related to retort ] retouch /ri:'tAtJ7 v. improve (a picture, photograph, etc.) by minor alterations. retrace /n'treis/ v. (-cing) 1 go back over (one's steps etc.). 2 trace back to a source or beginning. 3 recall the course of (a thing) in one's memory.

queo

retract

/n'traekt/

v. 1

withdraw

(a state-

ment or undertaking). 2 draw or be retractable adj. drawn back or in. retraction

n.

[Latin

retraho

-tract-

draw back] retractile

/n'traektail/ adj. capable of

being retracted.

etrain Jetrain

Jfurther, esp. for

letread

-v.

v.

again or

train

new work,

/ri:'tred/

1

(past retrod;

Jetreat

/n'tri:t/ -v. 1 (esp. of military mforces) go back, retire; relinquish a J position. 2 recede, -n. 1 a act of retreatling, b Mil. signal for this. 2 withdrawal I into privacy or security. 3 place of shelter or seclusion. 4 period of seclusion for prayer and meditation. 5 Mil. bugle-call at sunset. [Latin: related to retract] 'etrench /n'trentJV v. 1 cut down expenses; introduce economies. 2 reduce the amount of (costs). retrenchment n. [French: related to trench] retrial /ri:'trai9l/ n. second or further j

(judicial) trial. !

retribution

n. re/,retn'bju:J(9)n/ iquital, usu. for evil done; vengeance, retributive /n'tribjutiv/ adj. [Latin: i

related to tribute] /n'tri:v/ -v. (-ving)

retrieve

:

1 a regain possession of. b recover by investigation or effort of memory. 2 obtain (information stored in a computer etc.). 3 (of a dog) find and bring in (killed or wounded game etc.). 4 (foil, by from) rescue (esp. from a bad state). 5 restore to a flourishing state; revive. 6 repair or set right (a loss or error etc.) (managed to retrieve the situation). -n. possibility of recovery (beyond retrieve).

retrievable

adj.

retrieval

n.

[French

trouver find]

retriever

n.

dog of a breed used for

retrieving game.

retro

I

/'retrau/ slang -adj. reviving or harking back to the past. —n. retro fashion or style. retro- comb, form 1 denoting action back or in return. 2 Anat. & Med. denoting location behind. [Latin] retroactive /.retrau'aektiv/ adj. (esp. of legislation) effective from a past date. retrod past of retread. retrodden past part, of retread. retrograde /'retra.greid/ -adj. 1 directed backwards. 2 reverting, esp. to an inferior state; declining. 3 "reversed (retrograde order), -v. 1 move backwards; recede. 2 decline, revert. [Latin retrogradior -gress- move backwards] retrogress /.retra'gres/ v. 1 move backwards. 2 deteriorate. retrogression /-'grej(a)n/ n.

retrorocket

retrogressive

etc.

adj.

/'retrau.rokit/ n. auxiliary

rocket for slowing

down

retrospect spect

Mpast part, retrodden) tread (a path etc.) |again. 2 (past, past part, retreaded) put la fresh tread on (a tyre), -n. /'ri:tred/ Iretreaded tyre.

:

returnee

777 /ri:'trem/

a spacecraft

in retroback, [from

/'retra.spekt/ n.

when

looking RETRO-, PROSPECT]

retrospection

,

/,retra spekj(a)n/ n. looking back into the past. retrospective /.retra'spektiv/ -adj. 1 looking back on or dealing with the past. 2 (of a statute etc.) applying to the past as well as the future, -n. exhibition, recital, etc. showing an artist's development over his or her lifetime. retro-

spectively adv.

retrousse /ra'tru:sei/ adj. (of the nose) turned up at the tip. [French] retroverted /'retrau,v3:tid/ adj. (of the

womb)

inclined backwards. related to retro-, verto turn]

retrovirus

[Latin:

any of a group of RNA viruses which form DNA during the replication of their RNA, and /'retrao.vaiaras/ n.

so transfer genetic material into the of host cells, [from the initial + virus] retry /ri:'trai/ v. (-ies, -ied) try (a defendant or lawsuit) a second or further time.

DNA

letters of reverse transcriptase

retsina

/ret'si:na/ n. Greek white wine flavoured with resin, [modern Greek]

retune

/ri:'tju:n/ v. (ning) 1 tune (a musical instrument) again or differently. 2 tune (a radio etc.) to a different frequency. return /n't3:n/ -v. 1 come or go back. 2 bring, put, or send back. 3 pay back or

reciprocate; give in response. 4 yield (a profit). 5 say in reply; retort. 6 (in cricket or tennis etc.) hit or send (the ball) back. 7 state, mention, or describe officially, esp. in answer to a writ or formal demand. 8 (of an electorate) elect as an MP, government, etc. -n. 1 coming or going back. 2 a giving, sending, putting, or paying back, b thing given or sent back. 3 (in full return ticket) ticket for a journey to a place and back to the starting-point. 4 (in sing, or pi.) a proceeds or profit of an undertaking, b acquisition of these. 5 formal state-

ment compiled or submitted by order (income-tax return). 6 (in full return match or game) second match etc. between the same opponents. 7 a person's election as an MP etc. b returning officer's

announcement of

this.

by

return (of post) by the next available post in the return direction, in return as an exchange or reciprocal action, many happy returns (of the day) greeting on a birthday. returnable adj.

[Romanic: related to turn]

returnee I,nt3:'m:l n. person who returns home from abroad, esp. after war service.

returning officer returning officer retying pres. part, retype /ri:'taip/ dl

of retie. (-ping) type again, esp. to correct errors.

reunify store

a

/ri:'ju:ni,fai/ v.

separated z

(esp.

unity,

political

(-ies, -ied) reterritories) to

reunification

reuniting or being reunited. 2 social gathering, esp. of people formerly associated. reunite /,ri:ju:'nait/ v. (-ting) (cause to) come together again. reupholster / ri:Ap'haulst9(r)/ dl upholster anew. /ri:'ju:njan/ n. 1

1

reuse -n.

-v.

(-sing) use again. second or further use. z

/ri:'ju:z/

/ri:'ju:s/

reusable

,-'ju:zab(a)l/ adj.

Rev. abbr. Reverend. rev colloq. -n. (in pi.) number

of revolutions of an engine per minute, -i>. (-w-) 1 (of an engine) revolve; turn over. 2 (also absol; often foil, by up) cause (an engine) to run quickly, [abbreviation] revalue rii'vaelju:/ v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) give a different, esp. higher,

value to (a currency tion /-'eij(a)n/ n.

revamp

etc.).

z revalua-

/ri:'vaemp dl 1 renovate, revise, improve. 2 patch up. Revd abbr. Reverend. (

reveal

/n'vi:l/ v. 1 display or show; allow to appear. 2 (often as revealing adj.) disclose, divulge, betray {revealing remark). 3 (in re/7, or passive) come to sight or knowledge. [Latin velum veil] reveille n'vaeli/ n. military wakingsignal. [French reveillez wake up] revel /'rev(a)l/ -v. (-11-; US -1-) 1 have a good time; be extravagantly festive. 2 (foil, by in) take keen delight in. -n. (in sing, or pi) revelling, z reveller n.

revelry

n. {pi. -ies). [Latin:

related to

REBEL]

revelation

a revealthe supposed disclosure of knowledge to man by a divine or supernatural agency, b knowledge disclosed

ing,

revengeful

adj.

/,reva'leij\a)n/ n.

1

esp.

way. 2 striking disclosure. 3 (Revelation or colloq. Revelations) (in the Revelation of St John the Divine) last book of the New Testament.

in this full

revenge

ri'vend3, -n. 1 retaliation for 2 act of retaliation. 3 desire for this; vindictive feeling. 4 (in games) win after an earlier defeat, -v. (-ging) 1 (in refl. or passive; often foil, by on, upon) inflict retaliation for (an offence). 2 avenge (a person). [Latin: related to vindicate]

an offence or injury.

eager for revenge.

revengefully adv.

revenue /'reva.nju:/ n.

1 a income, esp. a substantial one. b (in pi.) items constituting this. 2 State's annual income from which public expenses are met. 3 department of the civil service collecting this. [French revenu from Latin revenio return]

reverberate

/-fi'keij\a)n/ n.

reunion

reverse

778

conducting an election in a constituency and announcing the results. n. official

,n'v3:ba,reit/

v.

(-ting)

1

(of sound, light, or heat) be returned, echoed, or reflected repeatedly. 2 return

sound etc.) in this way. 3 (of an event produce a continuing effect, shock, z reverberant adj. reverberation reverberative -'reij\a)n n. (a

etc.) etc.

[Latin verbero beat] v. (-ring) hold in deep and usu. affectionate or religious respect. [Latin vereor fear] reverence 'revarans -n. 1 revering or being revered. 2 capacity for revering. -dl (-cing) regard or treat with reverence. [Latin: related to revere] reverend 'revarand adj. (esp. as the title of a clergyman) deserving reverence. [Latin reverendus: related to re/-rativ/ adj.

revere

ri'via(r),

vere]

Reverend Mother n. Mother Superior of a convent. 'revarant adj. feeling or showing reverence, z reverently adv. [Latin: related to revere] reverential /.reva'renJXa)!, n. of the nature of, due to, or characterized by reverence, z reverentially adv. [medieval Latin: related to reverenxe] reverie 'revari n. fit of abstracted

reverent

musing, day-dream. [French]

revers

n'via(r)

n. {pi.

same

,-Viaz/) 1

turned-back edge of a garment revealing the undersurface. 2 material on this surface. [French: related to reverse] reverse n'v3:s/ -i>. (-sing) 1 turn the other way round or up or inside out. 2 change to the opposite character or effect. 3 (cause to) travel backwards. 4 make (an engine etc.) work in a contrary direction. 5 revoke or annul (a decree, act, etc.). -adj. 1 backwards or upside down. 2 opposite or contrary in character or order; inverted, -n. 1 opposite or contrary {the reverse is the case). 2

contrary of the usual manner {printed in reverse). 3 piece of misfortune; disaster; defeat. 4 reverse gear or motion. 5 reverse side. 6 side of a coin etc. bearing the secondary design. 7 verso of a printed leaf, z reverse arms hold a rifle with the butt upwards, reverse the

charges have the recipient of a telephone call pay for it. z reversal n. reversible adj. [Latin verto vers- turn]

reverse gear reverse gear

make

a

vehicle etc. go backwards,

reversing light

n. white light at the rear of a vehicle showing that it is in reverse gear. reversion n'v3:J(a)n n. 1 return to a previous state, habit, etc. 2 Biol, return to ancestral type. 3 legal right (esp. of the original owner, or his or her heirs) to possess or succeed to property on the death of the present possessor. [Latin: related to reverse] revert n'v3:t v. 1 (foil, by to) return to a former state, practice, opinion, etc. 2 (of property, an office, etc.) return by reverrevertible adj. (in sense 2). sion, review n'vju: -n. 1 general survey or assessment of a subject or thing. 2 survey of the past. 3 revision or reconsideration (is under review). 4 display and formal inspection of troops etc. 5 published criticism of a book, play, etc. 6 periodical with critical articles on current events, the arts. etc. -v. 1 survey or look back on. 2 reconsider or revise. 3 hold a review of (troops etc.). 4 write a review of (a book. play. etc.). z reviewer n. [French revoir: related to view]

revile

n

vail

v.

abuse verbally.

(-ling)

[French: related to vile]

revise n'vaiz v. (-sing) 1 examine or re-examine and improve or amend (esp. written or printed marten. 2 consider and alter (an opinion etc.). 3 (also absol. go over (work learnt or done) again, esp. for an examination. revisory adj. [Latin reviso

from video

vis- see]

Revised Standard Version

n.

re

vision published in 1946-57 of the American Standard Version of the Bible (itself based on the English RV). Revised Version n. revision published in 1881-95 of the Authorized Version of the Bible. revision n'vi3(a)n n. 1 revising or being revised. 2 revised edition or form. [Latin: related to revise] revisionism n. often derog. revision or modification of an orthodoxy, esp. of

Marxism. revisionist n. & adj. revisit ri:'vizit v. (-t-) visit again. revitalize ri:'vait8,laiz v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) imbue with new life and vitality.

revival

nVaiv(a)l n. 1 reviving or being revived. 2 new production of an old play etc. 3 revived use of an old practice, style, etc. 4 a religious fervour, b

promote

reawakening of campaign to

this.

revivalism

rewarding

779

gear used to

n.

n. promotion of a revival, esp. of religious fervour, z revivalist n. & adj.

revive

1 come or bring back to consciousness, life, or strength. 2 come or bring back to existence, or to use or notice etc. [Latin vivo

n'vaiv

v.

(-ving)

live]

revivify

n'vivi.fai

v.

-ied) re-

(-ies,

store to animation, vigour, or

life,

revivification

[Latin:

-fi'keij(a)n

n.

z

related to vivify] ri'vauk -v. (-king) 1 rescind, withdraw, or cancel. 2 Cards fail to follow suit when able to do so. -n. Cards revocable 'revak8b(9)l revoking.

revoke

:

adj.

revocation

,rev9'keij(8)n/

n.

[Latin voco call]

revolt

ri'vault

—v.

1

rise in rebellion. 2

a affect with strong disgust, b (often foil, by at, against) feel strong disgust. -n. 1 act of rebelling. 2 state of insurrection. 3 sense of disgust. 4 mood of protest or defiance. [Italian: related to revolve] revolting adj. disgusting, horrible, z revoltingly adv.

revolution

,reva'lu:J"(a)n

n. 1

forcible

overthrow of a government or social order. 2 any fundamental change or reversal of conditions. 3 revolving. 4 a completion of an orbit or single rotation, b time taken for this. 5 cyclic recurrence. [Latin: related to revolve] revolutionary -adj. 1 involving great and often violent change. 2 of or causing political revolution, -n. (pi -ies) instigator or supporter of political revolution. revolutionize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing)

change fundamentally.

revolve n'vnlv

v. (-ving) 1 (cause to) turn round, esp. on an axis; rotate. 2

move in a circular orbit. 3 ponder (a problem etc.) in the mind. 4 (foil, by around) have as its chief concern; be centred upon (his

life revolves his job). [Latin revolvo -volut-)

revolver

n.

with

pistol

around

revolving to be

chambers enabling several shots

fired without reloading. revolving door n. door with usu. four partitions turning round a central axis. revue n'vju: n. entertainment of short usu. satirical sketches and songs. [French: related to review] revulsion n'vAlJ(9)n n. 1 abhorrence.

2 sudden violent change [Latin vello vuls- pull]

rew ard n'wo:d r

-n.

1

of feeling.

a return or re-

compense

for service or merit, b requital for good or evil. 2 sum offered for the detection of a criminal, restoration of lost property, etc. -v. give a reward to (a person) or for (a service etc.).

[Anglo-French reward(er) regard]

rewarding

adj.

(of

an activity

worthwhile; satisfying.

etc.)

rewind rewind part,

rhyme

780 /ri:'waind/

(past and past (a film or tape etc.)

v.

rewound) wind

rheumatism,

z

rheumaticky

rheumatically adj.

rewire /ri:'waia(r)/ v. (-ring) provide with new electrical wiring,

reword

rheumatics

/ri:'w3:d/

v.

express in different

words.

rework

/ri:'w3:k/

v.

revise; refashion;

remake, z reworking

rewrite

n.

past rewrote; past part, rewritten) write again or differently, -n. /'ri:rait/ 1 rewriting. 2 thing rewritten. Rex n. 1 (after the name) reigning king (George Rex). 2 Law the Crown (Rex v. -v.

/ri:'rait/

(-ting;

Jones). [Latinl

Rf symb.

rhapsodize

/'raepsa.daiz/

v.

[Greek rhapto

stitch:

related to ode]

rhea

/'ri:a/ n. S. American flightless ostrich-like bird. [Greek Rhea mother name of Zeus] rhenium /'ri:niam/ n. rare metallic element occurring naturally in molybdenum ores. [Latin Rhenus Rhine]

instrument used an electric current by varying the resistance. [Greek rheos stream] rhesus /'ri:sas/ n. (in full rhesus monkey) small N. Indian monkey. [Rhesus, /'ri:a,staet/ n.

to control

mythical king of Thrace] rhesus factor n. antigen occurring on the red blood cells of most humans and some other primates.

rhesus negative

adj.

lacking

the

positive

adj.

having

the

rhesus factor.

rhetoric /'retarik/

art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing. 2 lann. 1

guage designed to persuade or impress (esp. seen as overblown and meaningless). [Greek rhetor orator]

rhetorical

arthritis. /'ru:ma,t3id/ adj.

having

rheumatoid arthritis n.

chronic progressive disease causing inflammation stiffening of the joints. n.

imitation

diamond,

Rhine in Germany] -s) colloq.

rhinoceros /rai'nosaras/ n.

(pi. same or -roses) large thick-skinned mammal with usu. one horn on its nose. [Greek rhis rhin- nose, keras horn] rhizome /'raizaum/ n. underground rootlike stem bearing both roots and shoots. [Greek rhizoma] rho /rau/ n. seventeenth letter of the Greek alphabet (P, P ). [Greek] rhodium /'raodiam/ n. hard white metallic element used in making alloys and plating jewellery. [Greek rhodon rose] rhododendron /.rauda'dendran/ n. (pi -s or -dra) evergreen shrub with large clusters of bell-shaped flowers. [Greek

rhodon rose, dendron

tree]

rhomboid /'rDmb3id/-ad/. (also rhom/-'boid(a)l/) like a rhombus, -n. quadrilateral of which only the opposite sides and angles are equal. [Greek: related to rhombus] rhombus /'rumbas/ n. (pi. -buses or -bi

boidal

/-bai/)

Geom. parallelogram with oband equal sides. [Greek

lique angles

rhesus factor.

rhesus

dis-

rheumatoid

/'ramau/ n. (pi. same or rhinoceros, [abbreviation]

(also -ise)

n.

the character of rheumatism.

[river

(-zing or -sing) talk or write rhapsodies. /'raepsadi/ n. (pi -ies) 1 enthusiastic or extravagant speech or composition. 2 piece of music in one movement, often based on national, folk, or popular melodies, z rhapsodic

rheostat

esp.

rheumatoid

rhino

rhapsody

/raep'sodik/ adj.

/'ru:ma,tiz(a)m/

ease marked by inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or fibrous tissue,

rhinestone

r.h. abbr. right hand.

inflam-

n.pl. (treated as sing.; often prec. by the) colloq. rheumatism.

rheumatism

and

rutherfordium.

RFC abbr. Rugby Football Club. Rh symb. rhodium.

adv.

[Greek

colloq.

rheuma stream] rheumatic fever n. fever with mation and pain in the joints.

back.

/ri'tDnk(a)l/

adj.

1

ex-

pressed artificially or extravagantly. 2 of the nature or art of rhetoric, z

rhetorically adv. [Greek: related

to

rhetoric]

rhetorical question

n.

question used

for effect but not seeking an answer (e.g. who cares? for nobody cares). rheumatic /ru:'maetik/ -adj. of, suffer-

ing from, producing, or produced by rheumatism, -n. person suffering from

rhombos]

RHS abbr.

Royal Horticultural Society.

rhubarb /'ru:ba:b/ «.1a plant with long fleshy dark-red leaf-stalks cooked as a dessert, b these stalks. 2 a colloq. indistinct conversation or noise, from the repeated use of the word 'rhubarb' by a

crowd, b slang nonsense. [Greek rha rhubarb, barbaros foreign]

rhyme

/raim/ -n. 1 identity of sound between words or their endings, esp. in verse. 2 (in sing, or pi.) verse or a poem having rhymes. 3 use of rhyme. 4 word providing a rhyme, -v. (-ming) 1 a (of words or lines) produce a rhyme, b (foil, by with) act as or treat (a word) as a rhyme (with another). 2 make or write rhymes. 3 put or make (a story etc.) into

rhymester rhyme.

[Latin: related to

rhymester

n.

rhythm]

writer of (esp. simple)

slang that replaces words by rhyming words or phrases, n.

by whistle and flute.

rhythm

/'no(a)m/ n.1a periodical accent and the duration of notes in music, esp. as beats in a bar. b type of structure formed by this {samba rhythm). 2 measured regular flow of verse or prose determined by the length of and stress on syllables. 3 Physiol, pattern of successive strong and weak movements. 4 regularly recurring sequence of events.

rhythmic

adj.

rhythmically

rhythmical

adj.

adv. [Greek rhuthmos]

rhythm and blues

popular music with blues themes and a strong rhythm. n.

rhythm method

n. abstention from sexual intercourse near the time of ovulation, as a method of birth control. rhythm section n. piano (or guitar etc.), bass, and drums in a dance or jazz band. rib-rc. 1 each of the curved bones joined to the spine in pairs and protecting the chest. 2 joint of meat from this part of an animal. 3 supporting ridge, timber, rod, etc. across a surface or through a structure. 4 Knitting combination of plain and purl stitches producing a ribbed design, -v. (-bb-) 1 provide with ribs; act as the ribs of. 2 colloq. make fun of; tease. 3 mark with ridges. [Old English] ribald /'nb(9)ld/ adj. coarsely or disrespectfully humorous; obscene. [French riber be licentious] ribaldry n. ribald talk or behaviour, riband /'riband/ n. ribbon. [French

riban]

ribbed

adj.

having ribs or riblike

markings.

ribbing n.

1

ribs or a riblike structure. 2

colloq. teasing.

/'riban/ n. 1 a narrow strip or of fabric, used esp. for trimming or

decoration, b material in this form. 2 ribbon worn to indicate some honour or membership of a sports team etc. 3 long narrow strip of anything (typewriter ribbon). 4 (in pi.) ragged strips (torn to ribbons), [var. of riband] ribbon development n. building of houses one house deep along a road leading out of a town or village. ribcage n. wall of bones formed by the ribs round the chest.

riboflavin

/.raibau'fleivm/

/,raib8nju:'kli:ik/ n.

nucleic acid in living cells, involved in protein synthesis, [ribose sugar] n.

something

amusing,

joke.

rice n. 1 swamp grass cultivated in esp. Asian marshes. 2 grains Of this, used as food. [French ris ultimately from Greek oruza]

rice-paper n. edible paper made from the bark of an oriental tree and used for painting and in cookery. rich adj. 1 having much wealth. 2 splendid, costly, elaborate. 3 valuable (rich

offerings). 4 copious, abundant, ample (rich supply of ideas). 5 (often foil, by in, with) (of soil or a region etc.) fertile; abundant in resources etc. (rich in nutrients). 6 (of food or diet) containing much fat or spice etc. 7 (of the mixture in an internal-combustion engine) con-

taining a high proportion of fuel. 8 (of colour, sound, or smell) mellow and deep, strong and full. 9 highly amusing or ludicrous; outrageous. richness n. [Old English and French] riches n.pl. abundant means; valuable possessions. [French richeise: related to rich] richly adv. 1 in a rich way. 2 fully, thoroughly (richly deserves success). Richter scale /'nkta/ n. scale of 0-10 for representing the strength of an earthquake. [Richter, name of a seismologist] rick 1 n. stack of hay etc. [Old English] rick 2 (also wrick) -n. slight sprain or strain, -v. sprain or strain slightly. [Low German wricken] rickets /'nkits/ n. (treated as sing, or pi.) deficiency disease of children with softening of the bones, [origin uncertain] rickety /'nkiti/ adj. 1 insecure, shaky. 2 ricketiness n. suffering from rickets. rickrack var. of ricrac.

rickshaw

ribbon band

ribonucleic acid rib-tickler

rhymes.

rhyming slang e.g. suit

rid

781

rhyme or reason sense, logic.

n.

(also

riboflavine /-vi:n/) vitamin of the B complex, found in liver, milk, and eggs. [ribose sugar, Latin flavus yellow]

/'rikjo:/ n. (also ricksha two-wheeled hooded vehicle drawn by one or more persons, [abbreviation of jinrickshaw from Japanese] ricochet /'nkajei/ -n. 1 rebounding of /-Ja/) light

esp. a shell or bullet off a surface. 2 hit made after this. -v. (-cheted /-.Jeid/;

-cheting /-.Jeiin/ or -chetted /-jetid/; -chetting /-.Jetin/) (of a projectile) make a ricochet. [French]

ricotta /n'kota/

n. soft Italian cheese. [Latin: related to re-, coquo cook] ricrac /'nkraek/ n. (also rickrack) zigzag braided trimming for garments,

[from rack

1

]

past and past part, rid) (foil, of) free (a person or place) of something unwanted. be (or get) rid of be

rid by

v.

(-dd-;

riddance of;

dispose

of.

[Old

Norse]

riddance

'rid(a)ns

n.

getting rid of

something, z good riddance expression of relief at getting rid of something. ridden past part, of ride. riddle 'nd(8)l -n. 1 verbal puzzle or test, often with a trick answer. 2 puzz1

ling fact, thing, or person, -r. (-ling) speak in riddles. [Old English: related to

read]

riddle 2

'nd(a)l -v. (-ling) (usu.

foil,

by

with) 1 make many holes in, esp. with gunshot. 2 (in passive) fill: permeate (riddled with errors). 3 pass through a riddle, -n. coarse sieve. [Old English] ride -v. (-ding; past rode; past part. ridden 'nd(a)n ) 1 (often foil, by on. in) travel or be carried on (a bicycle etc.) or esp. US in (a vehicle): be conveyed (rode her bike: rode on her bike: rode the tram). 2 (often foil, by on: also absol.)be carried by (a horse etc.). 3 be carried or supported by (ship rides the waves). 4 traverse or take part in on horseback etc. (ride 50 miles: rode the prairie). 5 a lie at anchor; float buoyantly, b (of the moon) seem to float. 6 yield to (a blow) so as to reduce its impact. 7 give a ride to; cause to ride (rode me home). 8 (of a rider) cause (a horse etc.) to move forward (rode their horses at the fence). 9 (as ridden adj.) (foil, by by. with, or in comb.) be dominated by; be infested with (ridden with guilt: rat-ridden cellar), -n. 1 journey or spell of riding in a vehicle, or on a horse, bicycle, person's back. etc. 2 path (esp. through woods) for riding on. 3 specified kind of ride

(bumpy

ride). 4

amusement

for riding

let a thing ride undisturbed, ride again re-

on at a fairground etc. z leave

it

rig

782

freed or relieved

appear as strong etc. as ever, ride high be elated or successful, ride out come safely through (a storm, danger, etc.). ride roughshod over see roughshod. ride up (of a garment) work upwards out of place, take for a ride colloq. hoax or deceive. [Old English] n. 1 person who rides (esp. a horse). 2 additional remark following a statement, verdict, etc. z riderless adj. ridge -n. 1 line of the junction of two

rider

surfaces sloping upwards towards each other (ridge of a roof). 2 long narrow hilltop, mountain range, or watershed. 3 any narrow elevation across a surface. 4 elongated region of high barometric pressure. 5 raised strip of esp. ploughed land. -v. (-ging) mark with ridges, z ridgy adj. [Old English] ridge-pole n. horizontal roof pole of a long tent. ridgeway n. road or track along a ridge.

ridicule

'ndi,kju:l -n. derision, mockery, -v. (-ling) make fun of; mock: laugh

[Latin rideo laugh] adj. 1 deserving or inviting ridicule. 2 unreasonable. at.

ridiculous n'dikjolas

ridiculously adv. ridiculousness n. 'raidin n. sport or pastime of travelling on horseback. riding 2 'raidin n. hist, former administrative division (East. North. West Riding) of Yorkshire. [Old English from Old Norse, = third part] riding-light n. light shown by a ship at

riding

1

anchor.

riding-school

establishment teach-

n.

ing horsemanship.

Riesling

'ri:zhrj

n. 1

a kind of grape. 2

white wine made from this. [German] rife predic. adj. 1 of common occurrence; widespread. 2 (foil, by with) abounding in. [Old English, probably from Old Norse] riff n. short repeated phrase in jazz etc. [abbreviation of riffle] riffle

nffe)] -v. (-ling)

1

(often

foil,

by

through) leaf quickly through (pages). 2 a turn (pages) in quick succession, b shuffle (playing-cards), esp. by flexing and combining the two halves of a pack.

-n. 1 act of riffling. 2 US a shallow disturbed part of a stream, b patch of waves or ripples, [perhaps var. of ruffle]

riff-raff 'rifraef n. (often prec. by the) rabble; disreputable people. [French rif et raf]

rifle

1

—n.

'raif(9)l

rifled barrel, esp.

1 gun with a long one fired from the

shoulder. 2 (in pi.) riflemen, -v. (-ling)

make spiral grooves in (a gun. its barrel, or its bore) to make a projectile spin. [French] 2 rifle 'raif(a)l

v.

(-ling) (often foil,

by

through) 1 search and rob. 2 carry off as booty. [French] rifleman n. soldier armed with a rifle,

rifle-range

n.

place for rifle-practice,

rifle-shot n. 1 shot fired with a rifle. 2 distance coverable by this, rifling n. arrangement of grooves on the inside of a gun's barrel, rift -n. 1 crack, split; break (in cloud etc.). 2 disagreement: breach. 3 cleft in earth or rock. -v. tear or burst apart. [Scandinavian: related to riven] rift-valley n. steep-sided valley formed by subsidence between nearly parallel faults. rig;

5

-v. (-gg-)

1

provide (a ship) with

by out. with clothes or other equipment.

sails, rigging, etc. 2 (often foil,

up)

fit

3 (foil, by up) set up hastily or as a makeshift. 4 assemble and adjust the parts of (an aircraft). -n. 1 arrangement

|i)f a ship's masts, sails, etc. 2 equipment Bbr a special purpose, e.g. a radio transItiitter. 3 = oil rig. 4 colloq. style of rigged Kiress; uniform {in full rig). Yidj. (also in comb.), [perhaps from Scaniinavian] lig2 -i>. (-gg-) manage or fix (a result etc.)

fraudulently (rigged the election), -n. rig h:rick, dodge, or way of swindling, the market cause an artificial rise or I

fall

I

I

j|

in

rigger

prices.

[origin

n.

unknown] igger n. 1 worker on an oil rig. 2 person

who rigs or who arranges rigging, igging n. ship's spars, ropes, etc. ?

j

right turn

78a

ig

ight

/rait/

-adj.

1

(of conduct etc.) just,

morally or socially correct (do the right

2 true, correct (which is the \right way?). 3 suitable or preferable \(right person for the job). 4 sound or \thing).

normal; healthy; satisfactory (engine Idoesn't sound right). 5 on or towards [the east side of the human body, or of any object etc., when facing north. 6 (of a side of fabric etc.) meant for display or use. 7 colloq. real; complete (made a right mess of it). 8 (also Right) Polit. of the Right, -n. 1 that which is correct or just; fair treatment (often in pi. rights and wrongs of the case). 2 justification or fair claim (has no right to speak). 3 legal or moral entitlement; authority to act (human rights; right of reply). 4 right-hand part, region, or direction. 5 Boxing a right hand, b blow with this. 6 (often Right) a conservative political group or section, b conservatives collectively. 7 side of a stage to the right I

:

of a person facing the audience, -v. 1 (often refl.) restore to a proper, straight, or vertical position. 2 correct or avenge (mistakes, wrongs, etc.); set in order; make reparation, -adv. 1 straight (go right on). 2 colloq. immediately (do it right now). 3 a (foil, by to, round, through, etc.) all the way (sank right to the bottom), b (foil, by off, out, etc.) completely (came right off its hinges). 4 exactly, quite (right in the middle). 5 justly, properly, correctly, truly, satisfactorily (not holding it right; if I remember right). 6 on or to the right side. -int. colloq. expressing agreement or assent. by right (or rights) if right

were done, do right by act dutifully towards (a person), in one's own right through one's own position or effort etc. in the right having justice or truth on

mind sane, of having legal or moral etc. entitlement, on the right side of colloq. 1 in the favour of (a person etc.). 2 somewhat less than (a specified age), put (or set) right 1 restore to order, one's side, in one's right (or as of) right

correct the mistaken impression etc. of (a person), put (or set) to rights make correct or well ordered, right away (or off) immediately, right oh! (or ho!) = righto. right on! slang expression of strong approval or encouragement, a right one colloq. foolish or funny person, right you are! colloq. exclamation of assent, too right slang expression of agreement. Tightness n. [Old English] right angle n. angle of 90°. n. one's most reliable helper. right right bank n. bank of a river on the right facing downstream. righten v. make right or correct. righteous /'raitjas/ adj. (of a person or conduct) morally right; virtuous, lawabiding, righteously adv. righteousness n. [Old English] rightful adj. 1 a (of a person) legitimately entitled to (a position etc.) (rightful heir), b (of status or property etc.) that one is entitled to. 2 (of an action etc.) equitable, fair. : rightfully adv. [Old English] health,

etc.

2

arm

hand

= right-hand man. on or towards the right side of a person or thing. 2 done with the right hand. 3 (of a screw) = RIGHT-HANDED 4b.

right

right-hand

n.

attrib. adj. 1

right-handed adj. 1 naturally using the right hand for writing etc. 2 (of a tool use by the right hand. 3 (of a blow) struck with the right hand. 4 a turning to the right, b (of a screw) rightturned clockwise to tighten. etc.) for

-handedly adv. right-handedness

right-hander

n.

right-handed person. 2 right-handed blow. right-hand n. indispensable or n.

1

man

chief assistant.

Right Honourable certain high officials,

n.

given to Privy Coun-

title

e.g.

sellors.

rightism rightist

n.

n.

political conservatism.

& adj.

rightly adv.

justly, properly, correctly,

justifiably.

right-minded

adj. (also right-thinking) having sound views and principles. rightmost adj. furthest to the right. righto /'raitau/ int. colloq. expressing agreement or assent. right of way n. 1 right established by usage to pass over another's ground. 2 path subject to such a right. 3 right of a vehicle to precedence. Right Reverend n. bishop's title. right turn n. turn of 90 degrees to the

right.

1

rightward rightward /'raitwad/ -adv. wards) towards the

(also right-

right, -adj. right.

going

towards or facing the

wing

right

-n.

1

more conservative

section of a political party or system. 2 right side of a football etc. team on the field, -adj. (right-wing) conservative right-winger n. or reactionary. rigid /'nd3id/ adj. 1 not flexible; unbendable. 2 (of a person, conduct, etc.) inflex-

unbending, harsh. rigidity rigidly adv. rigidness n. / [Latin rigidus from rigeo be stiff] rigmarole /'rigma.raul/ n. 1 lengthy and complicated procedure. 2 rambling or meaningless talk or tale, [originally ible,

'd3iditi/ n.

ragman rigor

1

roll catalogue]

feeling of cold with shivering and a rise in temperature, preceding a fever etc. [Latin rigeo

be

/'riga(r), 'raigo:(r)/ n.

stiff]

rigor2 US var. of rigour. rigor mortis /.riga 'mortis/ n. stiffening of the body after death, rigorous /'ngaras/ adj. 1 firm; strict, severe.

2 strictly exact or accurate.

rigorously adv. rigorousness

n.

[related to rigour] rigour /'nga(r)/ n. (US rigor) 1 a severity, strictness, harshness, b (in pi.) harsh measures or conditions. 2 logical exactitude. 3 strict enforcement of rules etc. (utmost rigour of the law). 4 auster1 ity of life. [Latin: related to rigor ] rig-out n. colloq. outfit of clothes. rile v. (-ling) colloq. anger, irritate. [French from Latin] rill n. small stream, [probably Low Ger-

man or Dutch] rim n. 1 edge or

border, esp. of something circular. 2 outer edge of a wheel, holding the tyre. 3 part of spectacle rimless adj. frames around the lens. rimmed adj. (also in comb.). [Old English]

rime

1 -n. 1 frost. 2 hoar-frost, -v. (-ming) cover with rime. [Old English] 2 rime archaic var. of rhyme. rind /ramd/ n. tough outer layer or covering of fruit and vegetables, cheese, bacon, etc. [Old English] ring 1 -n. 1 circular band, usu. of metal, worn on a finger. 2 circular band of any material. 3 rim of a cylindrical or circular object, or a line or band round it. 4 mark etc. resembling a ring (rings round his eyes; smoke rings). 5 ring in the cross-section of a tree, produced by one year's growth. 6 a enclosure for a circus performance, boxing, betting at

races,

ring

784

showing of cattle,

etc.

b (prec. by

the) bookmakers collectively. 7 a people or things in a circle, b such an arrange-

ment. 8 traders, spies, politicians,

etc.,

combined

for profit etc. 9 circu< & lar or spiral course. 10 = gas ring. 11 a w thin disc of particles etc. round a planet ? b halo round the moon. -v. 1 (often foil? & illicitly

by round, about,

in)

make

or draw

Q

a

circle round; encircle. 2 put a ring on (a bird etc.) or through the nose of (a pigjl bull, etc.). run (or make) rings

]

?

o

round

colloq. outclass or outwl (another person). [Old English] 2 ring -v. (past rang; past part, rung) t (often foil, by out etc.) give a deal resonant or vibrating sound of or as of a: bell. 2 a make (esp. a bell) ring, b (absol.^ call by ringing a bell (you rang, sir?). 3 (also absol; often foil, by up) call by telephone (will ring you). 4 (usu. foil, by: with, to) (of a place) resound with a sound, fame, etc. (theatre rang with applause). 5 (of the ears) be filled with a sensation of ringing. 6 a sound (a peal< etc.) on bells, b (of a bell) sound (the

i H

I

hour

etc.).

7

(foil,

by

in,

i

I

ri

o

I

t

(

i

t

[

p I

out) usher in or

j

out with bell-ringing (rang out the Old Year). 8 convey a specified impression (words rang true), -n. 1 ringing sound or tone. 2 act or sound of ringing a bell. 3 colloq. telephone call (give me a ring). 4

\

j

,

specified feeling conveyed by words etc. (had a melancholy ring). 5 set of esp. church bells. ring back make a return telephone call to. ring a bell colloq. begin to revive a memory, ring down (or up) the curtain 1 cause the curtain to be lowered or raised. 2 (foil, by on) mark the end or the beginning of (an enterprise etc.). ring in report or make contact by telephone, ring off end a telephone call, ring round telephone several people, ring up 1 call by telephone. 2 record (an amount etc.) on a cash register. [Old English]

ring-binder

j

,

I

loose-leaf binder with

n.

ring-shaped clasps.

ring-dove n. woodpigeon. ringer n. bell-ringer. be a ringer (or* dead ringer) for slang resemble (a person) exactly.

ring-fence

v.

(-cing) protect or guaran-

tee (funds).

ring finger

n.

third finger, esp. of the

hand, on which a wedding ring is usu. worn. ringing tone n. sound heard after dialleft

ling

an unengaged number,

ringleader

n. leading instigator of a crime, mischief, etc. /'nnlit/ n. curly lock of esp. long

ringlet

ringleted adj. n. person directing a circus performance. ring-pull attrib. adj. (of a tin) having a ring for pulling to break its seal, ring road n. bypass encircling a town. hair.

ringmaster

i

i

ingside lingside

n. area immediately beside a Doxing or circus ring etc. (often attrib.: Mringside view). fungal skin infection n. pausing circular inflamed patches, esp.

Kngworm

pn the scalp. Rink

n. 1 area of ice for skating or etc. 2 enclosed area for rollerIfckating. 3 building containing either of I these. 4 strip of bowling-green. 5 team in

purling

bowls

or curling, French renc rank ]

inse -v.

I

[apparently

(-sing) (often

foil,

from

by through,

1 wash or treat with clean water etc. wash lightly. 3 put (clothes etc.)

\out) 2

'through clean water after washing. 4

by

(foil,

out,

rinsing, -n.

away) clear (impurities) by 1 rinsing (give it a rinse). 2

temporary

J

hair

tint

(blue

rinse).

[French rincer] lot /'raiat/ -n. 1 a violent disturbance !by a crowd of people, b (attrib. ) involved in suppressing riots (riot police). 2 loud uncontrolled revelry. 3 (foil, by of) lavish display or sensation (riot of colour and sound). 4 colloq. very amusing thing or person, -v. make or engage in a riot, read the Riot Act act firmly to suppress insubordination; give warning,

run

1 throw off all restraint. 2 grow or spread uncontrolled,

riot

(of plants)

riotous adj. [French] felP abbr. may he, she, or they rest in z rioter

n.

peace. [Latin requiesca(n)t in pace] 1 -v. (-pp-) 1 tear or cut (a thing) quickly or forcibly away or apart I (ripped out the lining). 2 a make (a hole | S etc.) by ripping, b make a long tear or I cut in. 3 come violently apart; split. 4 rush along. -n. 1 long tear or cut. 2 act of I ripping. let rip colloq. 1 (allow to) I or act without restraint or t proceed I interference. 2 speak violently, rip into colloq. attack (a person) verbally, rip off colloq. 1 swindle. 2 steal, [origin |

Kip

i

[

unknown] 2 rough water caused by meeting currents, [origin uncertain] rip 3 n. 1 dissolute person; rascal. 2

,rip n. stretch of

worthless horse, [origin uncertain] /rai'peanan/ adj. of or on a river-bank (riparian rights). [Latin ripa bank] rip-cord n. cord for releasing a parachute from its pack.

riparian

ripe

adj.

1

(of grain, fruit, cheese, etc.)

ready to be reaped, picked, or eaten. 2 mature, fully developed (ripe in judgement). 3 (of a person's age) advanced. 4 (often foil, by for) fit or ready (ripe for development), ripeness n. [Old English]

ripen

v.

rising

785

make

or become ripe.

rip-off

n. colloq.

swindle, financial ex-

ploitation. /n'pDst/ -rc.

riposte

1 quick retort. 2 quick return thrust in fencing, -v.

(-ting) deliver a riposte. [Italian: related to respond]

ripper n. 1 person or thing that rips. 2 murderer who mutilates the victims' bodies.

ripple

/'np(a)l/ -rc. 1 ruffling of the water's surface, small wave or waves. 2 gentle lively sound, e.g. of laughter or applause. 3 wavy appearance in hair, material, etc. 4 slight variation in the strength of a current etc. 5 ice-cream with veins of syrup (raspberry ripple), -v. (-ling) 1 (cause to) form or flow in ripples. 2 show or sound like ripples.

ripply

adj. [origin

rip-roaring adj.

1

unknown] wildly noisy or bois-

terous. 2 excellent, first-rate. n. coarse saw for sawing wood along the grain. rise /raiz/ -v. (-sing; past rose /raoz/; past part, risen /'nz(a)n/) 1 come or go up. 2 grow, project, expand, or incline upwards; become higher. 3 appear or be visible above the horizon. 4 get up from lying, sitting, kneeling, or from bed; become erect. 5 (of a meeting etc.) adjourn. 6 reach a higher position, level, amount, intensity, etc. 7 make progress socially etc. (rose from the ranks). 8 a come to the surface of liquid, b (of a person) react to provocation (rise to the bait). 9 come to life again. 10 (of dough) swell by the action of yeast etc. 1 1 (often foil, by up) rebel (rise up against them). 12 originate (river rises in the mountains). 13 (of wind) start to blow. 14 (of a person's spirits) become cheerful, -n. 1 rising. 2 upward slope, hill, or movement (house stood on a rise). 3 a increase in amount, extent, sound, pitch, etc. (rise in unemployment), b increase in salary. 4 increase in status or power; upward progress. 5 movement offish to the surface. 6 origin. 7 a vertical height of a step, arch, incline, etc. b = riser 2. get (or take) a rise out of colloq. provoke a reaction from (a person), esp. by teasing, on the rise on the increase, rise above be superior to (petty feelings, difficulties, etc.). rise to develop powers equal to (an occasion). [Old Eng-

ripsaw

lish] n. 1 person who rises from bed (early riser). 2 vertical section between the treads of a staircase.

riser

risible

/'nzib(8)l/ adj. laughable, ludic-

rous. [Latin rideo

rising -adj.

ris-

laugh]

advancing

to maturity or high standing (rising young lawyer). 2 approaching a specified age (rising 1

rising

damp

sloping upwards. -n. revolt or insurrection.

rising damp n. moisture absorbed from the ground into a wall. risk -n. 1 chance or possibility of danger, loss, injury, etc. (health risk; risk offire). 2 person or thing causing a risk or regarded in relation to risk (is a poor risk), -v. 1 expose to risk. 2 accept the chance of (risk getting wet). 3 venat risk exposed to danger, at ture on. one's (own) risk accepting responsibility, agreeing to make no claims, at the risk of with the possibility of (an adverse consequence), put at risk expose to danger, run a (or the) risk (often foil, by of) expose oneself to danger or loss etc. take a risk (or risks) chance the possibility of danger etc. [French risque(r) from Italian] risky adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 involving risk. 2 = risque. riskily adv. riskiness n.

risotto /n'zDtau/ n. (pi. -s) Italian savoury rice dish cooked in stock. [Italian]

risque

/'nskei, -'kei/ adj. (of a story etc.) slightly indecent. [French: related to risk] rissole /'nsaul/ n. cake of spiced minced meat, coated in breadcrumbs and fried.

[French] rit. abbr. Mus. ritardando.

ritardando (pi. -s

or -di

/.ritai'daendau/ adv.

/-di/)

Mus. = rallentando.

n. 1 religious or solemn observance, or procedure (burial rites). 2 body of customary observances characteristic of a Church etc. (Latin rite). [Latin ritus]

act,

n.

(often in pi) event in life, e.g.

marking a change or stage marriage.

ritual /'ntjual/ -n. 1 a prescribed order of a ceremony etc. b solemn or colourful pageantry etc. 2 procedure regularly followed, -adj. of or done as a ritual or rite (ritual

murder).

ritually adv.

[Latin: related to rite]

ritualism

n.

tice of ritual. /-'listik/ adj.

regular or excessive pracritualist n. ritualistic ritualistically /-'listikali/

adv.

ritzy

/'ntzi/ adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. highclass, luxurious, showily smart, [from Ritz, name of luxury hotels] rival /'raiv(a)l/ -n. (often attrib.) 1 per-

son competing with another. 2 person or thing that equals another in quality, -v. (-11-; US -1-) be, seem, or claim to be the rival of or comparable to. [Latin rivus stream] rivalry n. (pi. -ies) being rivals; competition.

p

/'nv(a)n/ adj. literary split, torn, [past part, of rive from Old Norse] river /'nva(r)/ n. 1 copious natural; stream of water flowing to the sea or a lake etc. 2 copious flow (rivers of blood). ~ sell down the river colloq. betray or let down. [Latin ripa bank] riverside n. (often attrib.) ground

i

along a river-bank.

rivet /'nvit/ -n. nail or bolt for joining metal plates etc., with the headless end beaten out when in place, —v. (-t-) 1 a join or fasten with rivets, b beat out or press down the end of (a nail or bolt), c fix, make immovable. 2 a (foil, by on, upon) direct intently (one's eyes or attention etc.). b (esp. as riveting adj.) engross (a person or the attention). [French river fasten] riviera /.nvi'eara/ n. coastal subtropical region, esp. that of SE France and Italy. [Italian, = sea-shore] rivulet /'nvjulit/ n. small stream. [Latin rivus stream] abbr. Royal Marines, rm. abbr. room. abbr. Royal Military Academy. abbr. Royal Navy.

NW

RM RMA RN

Rn symb.

radon. ribonucleic acid. abbr. Royal National Lifeboat

RNA abbr.

In-

stitution. n.

rite

passage

riven

RNLI &

[Italian]

rite of

road-holding

786

five). 3 (of ground)

roach

same or

small freshwater fish of the carp family. [French] road n. 1 a way with a prepared surface, for vehicles, pedestrians, etc. b part of this for vehicles only (step out into the road). 2 one's way or route. 3 (usu. in pi.) piece of water near the shore in which ships can ride at anchor, z any road dial. = anyway 2, 3. get out of the (or my etc.) road dial, stop obstructing a person, in the (or one's) road dial. forming an obstruction, one for the road colloq. final (esp. alcoholic) drink before departure, on the road travelling, esp. as a firm's representative, itinerant performer, or vagrant, the road to way of getting to or achieving (road to London; road to ruin). [Old English: related to ride] roadbed n. 1 foundation structure of a railway. 2 foundation material for a road. 3 US part of a road on which n. (pi.

-es)

vehicles travel. barrier set up on a road in order to stop and examine traffic, licence n. disc displayed on road fund a vehicle certifying payment of road tax. road-hog n. colloq. reckless or inconsiderate road-user. road-holding n. stability of a moving

roadblock n.

vehicle.

I

md-house I ad-house

n.

|>ad.

ftadie

land

assistant of a touring erecting and maintaining

n. colloq.

etc.,

Kjuipment.

lad-metal

n.

broken stone used in

I )ad-making etc. wad sense n. capacity for safe be1 aviour in traffic etc. loadsho w n. 1 television or radio series broadcasting each programme from a ifferent venue. 2 any touring

Er

advertising

political

campaign or touring

n.

(often attrib.) strip of land

leside a road. I >ad sign n. sign giving information or nstructions to road users. >adstead n. = road 3. I Ibadster n. open car without rear seats. bad tax n. periodic tax payable on road vehicles. test -n. test of a vehicle's roadivorthiness. -v. (road-test) test (a Vehicle) on the road, loadway n. 1 road. 2 part of a road

Ibad

ntended for vehicles,

loadworks

n.pl.

construction, repair,

lite, of roads.

oadworthy loam

adj.

fit

to

be used on the

roadworthiness

| road.

n.

ramble, wander. 2 travel junsystematically over, through, or about, -n. act of roaming; ramble. -v.

Lroamer

1

n.

[origin

unknown]

loan -adj. (of esp. a horse) having a coat interspersed with hairs of lanother colour, -n. roan animal. [thickly

[French!

roar -n.

made

1

by a

a loud deep hoarse sound, as lion, b similar sound. 2 loud

[laugh, -v. 1 (often foil, by out) utter lloudly or make a roar, roaring laugh, I etc. 2 travel in a vehicle at high speed, esp. with the engine roaring. [Old Eng| lish]

.-oaring drunk predic. adj. very drunk and noisy. roaring forties n.pl. stormy ocean tracts between lat. 40° and 50° S.

j

roaring success n. great success. roaring trade n. (also roaring busiI

ness) very brisk trade or business.

roaring twenties

n.pl.

decade of the

1920s.

roast -v.

roasting. 2 process of roasting. [French rost(ir) from Germanic] roaster n. 1 oven, dish, apparatus,

for roasting. roasting.

roasting

-adj. very hot. -n. severe criticism or denunciation. rob v. (-bb-) (often foil, by of) 1 (also absol.) take unlawfully from, esp. by force or threat (robbed the safe; robbed her of her jewels). 2 deprive of what is

due or normal (robbed of

robber

sleep).

[French rob(b)er from Ger-

n.

robbery

n. (pi. -ies) 1

a cook (food, esp. meat) or (of

food) be cooked in an oven or by open heat (roast chestnuts), b heat (coffee beans) before grinding. 2 refl. expose (oneself etc.) to fire or heat. 3 criticize severely, denounce, -attrib. adj. roasted (roast beef), -n. 1 a roast meat, b dish of this, c piece of meat for

act of robbing. 2

charge or cost. a long loose outer garment, b

colloq. excessive

robe -n.

1

(often in pi.) this worn as an indication of rank, office, profession, etc. 2 esp. US dressing-gown. -v. (-bing) clothe in a robe; dress. [French]

robin

/'robin/ n. 1 (also robin redbreast) small brown red-breasted bird. 2 US red-breasted thrush, [pet form of Robert]

Robin Hood n.

person

who steals from

the rich to give to the poor, robinia /ra'bmia/ n. any of various N. American trees or shrubs, e.g. a locust tree or false acacia. [Robin, name of a

French gardener]

robot /'raubDt/

n. 1

machine resembling

or functioning like a human. 2 machine automatically completing a mechanical process. 3 person who acts mechan-

robotic / - bDtik/ adj. robotize (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). [Czech] robotics /rau'bDtiks/ n.pl. (usu. treated as sing.) art, science, or study of robot ically. v.

design and operation.

robust /rau'bASt/ adj.

(-er, -est) 1

strong

and sturdy,

esp. in physique or construction. 2 (of exercise, discipline, etc.) vigorous, requiring strength. 3 (of mental attitude, argument, etc.) straightforward, vigorous. 4 (of a statement, reply, etc.) bold, firm, unyielding, n robustly

robustness n. [Latin robur adv. strength] n. gigantic bird of Eastern legend.

roc

[Spanish from Arabic]

rochet /'rotjit/ n.

vestment [French from

surplice-like

of a bishop or abbot.

Germanic]

rock n.1a hard material of the earth's 1

exposed on the surface, b similar material on other planets. 2 Geol. any natural material, hard or soft (e.g. clay), consisting of one or more minerals. 3 a projecting rock forming a hill, cliff, reef, etc. b (the Rock) Gibraltar. 4 large detached stone. 5 US stone of any size. 6 firm and dependable support or protection. 7 hard sweet usu. in the crust, often

1

etc.

2 fowl, potato, etc. for

manic]

Entertainment.

Iiadside

rock

787

inn or club on a major

rock

achieve (esp. sexual) satisfaction, on the rocks colloq. 1 short of money. 2 (of a marriage etc.) broken down. 3 (of a drink) served neat with ice-cubes. [French roque, roche]

rock

2

move

gently to and fro; set, maintain, or be in, such motion. 2 (cause to) sway; shake, oscillate, reel. 3 distress, perturb {rocked by the news), -n. 1 rocking movement. 2 spell of this. 3 a = rock and roll, b rock and rollinfluenced popular music. rock the boat colloq. disturb a stable situation. [Old English] -z;. 1

rockabilly /'roka.bili/ n. rock and roll combined with hill-billy music, rock and roll n. (also rock 'n' roll) popular dance-music originating in the 1950s with a heavy beat and often a blues element.

rock-bottom

-adj. (of prices etc.) the

very lowest, -n. very lowest level. rock-cake n. small rough-surfaced spicy currant bun. rock-crystal n. transparent colourless quartz, usu. in hexagonal prisms. rocker n. 1 curved bar etc. on which something can rock. 2 rocking-chair. 3 devotee of rock music, esp. a leatherclad

motor

cyclist. 4 a

device for rock-

b pivoted switch operating between and 'off positions. off one's rocker slang crazy. rockery n. (pi. -ies) construction of stones with soil between them for growing, 'on'

,

ing rock-plants on. rocket /'rokit/ -n. 1 cylindrical firework or signal etc. propelled to a great height after ignition. 2 engine operating on the same principle, providing thrust but not dependent on air intake. 3 rocket-propelled missile, spacecraft, etc. 4 slang severe reprimand, -v. (-t-) 1 a move rapidly upwards or away, b increase rapidly (prices rocketed). 2 bombard with rockets. [French roquette

from

rogues' gallery

788

form of a peppermint flavoured stick. 8 slang precious stone, esp. a diamond. get one's rocks off coarse slang

Italian]

rocketry

science or practice of n. rocket propulsion. rock-face n. vertical surface of natural rock.

rockfall

n.

descent or mass of loose

fallen rocks.

rock-garden n. = rockery. rocking-chair n. chair mounted on rockers or springs for gently rocking in. n. toy horse on rockers or springs. rock-plant n. plant growing on or

rocking-horse

among

rocks.

rock-salmon esp. the catfish

rock-salt

n.

any of several and dogfish,

n.

common

fishes,

salt as a solid

mineral.

rocky

1

adj. (-ier, -iest) of, like, or full of

rock or rocks.

rocky

2

rockiness

n.

adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq.

tottering, unstable.

unsteady,

rockiness

n.

rococo

/ra'kaukau/ -adj. 1 of a late style of 18th-c. decoration. 2 (of literature, music, architecture, etc.) highly ornate, -n. this style. [French] rod n. 1 slender straight cylindrical bar or stick. 2 a cane for flogging, b (prec. by the) use of this. 3 = fishing-rod. 4 hist. (as a measure) perch or square perch 1 (see perch ), n make a rod for one's own back make trouble for oneself. [Old English] rode past of ride.

baroque

/'raud(a)nt/ n. mammal with strong incisors and no canine teeth, e.g. the rat, mouse, squirrel, beaver, and porcupine. [Latin rodo gnaw]

rodent

rodeo

/'raudiau, ra'deiau/ n. (pi. -s)

1

exhibition of cowboys' skills in handling animals. 2 round-up of cattle on a ranch for branding etc. [Spanish] rodomontade /.rDdamon'teid/ n. boastful talk or behaviour. [French

from

roe

Italian]

/rau/ n. 1 (also hard roe) mass of eggs in a female fish's ovary. 2 (also soft 1

roe) milt of a male

fish.

[Low German or

Dutch]

roe

2

/rau/ n. (pi. same or -s) (also roe-deer) small kind of deer. [Old English]

roebuck n. male roe-deer. roentgen /'rAntjan/ n. (also rontgen) unit of ionizing radiation. name of a physicist]

[Rontgen,

rogation

/rau'geij(a)n/ n. (usu. in pi.) litany of the saints chanted on the three days before Ascension day. [Latin rogo ask]

Rogation Days

n.pl.

the three days

before Ascension Day.

roger /'rod3a(r)/

your message has been received and understood (used in radio communication etc.). 2 slang I agree, [from the name, code for R]

rogue

int. 1

/raog/ n. 1 dishonest or unprincipled person. 2 joc. mischievous person, esp. a child. 3 (usu. attrib.) wild fierce animal driven away or living apart from others (rogue elephant). 4 (often attrib.) inexplicably aberrant result or phenomenon; inferior or defective specimen, [origin unknown] roguery /'raugan/ n. (pi. -ies) conduct or action characteristic of rogues. rogues' gallery n. colloq. collection of photographs of known^" criminals etc., used for identification.

roguish roguish adj.

roisterer n. noisily; be uproarious. [Latin: related to rustic] role n. (also role) 1 actor's part in a play, film, etc. 2 person's or thing's function.

[French: related to roll]

role model n. person on whom others model themselves. role-playing n. (also role-play) acting of characters or situations as an aid in psychotherapy, language-teaching, etc. role-play v. roll /raul/ -v. 1 (cause to) move or go in some direction by turning on an axis (ball rolled under the table; rolled the barrel into the cellar). 2 a make cylindrical or spherical by revolving

between two surfaces or over on itself (rolled a newspaper), b make thus

a cigarette), c gather into a mass or shape (rolled the dough into a ball; rolled himself into a ball). 3 (often foil, by along, by, etc.) (cause to) move, advance, or be conveyed on or (of time etc.) as if on wheels etc. (bus rolled past; rolled the tea trolley; years rolled by; rolled by in his car). 4 flatten or form by passing a roller etc. over or by passing between rollers (roll the lawn; roll pastry). 5 rotate (his eyes rolled; he rolled his eyes). 6 a wallow (dog rolled in the dust), b (of a horse etc.) lie on its back and kick about. 7 (of a moving ship, aircraft, vehicle, or person) sway to and fro sideways or walk unsteadily (rolled out of the pub). 8 a undulate (rolling hills; rolling mist), b carry or propel with undulations (river rolls its waters to the sea). 9 (cause to) start functioning or moving (cameras rolled). 10 sound or utter with vibrations or a trill (thunder rolled; rolls his rs). -n. 1 rolling motion or gait; undulation (roll of the hills). 2 a spell of rolling (roll in the mud), b gymnastic exercise in which the body rolls in a forward or backward circle, c (esp. a roll in the hay) colloq. sexual intercourse etc. 3 rhythmic rumbling sound of thunder etc. 4 complete revolution of an aircraft about its longitudinal axis. 5 anything forming a cylinder by being turned over on itself without folding (roll of carpet; sausage roll). 6 a small portion of bread individually baked, b this with a specified filling (ham roll). 7 thing cylindrical in shape (rolls offat; roll of hair). 8 a official list or register (electoral roll), b total numbers on this, n be rolling in colloq. have plenty of (esp. money), rolled into one combined in one person or thing. (rolled

roll-top

789

playfully mischievous. 2 roguishly characteristic of rogues. adv. roguishness n. roister v. (esp. as roistering adj.) revel 1

desk

roll in arrive in great numbers or quantity, roll on v. 1 put on or apply by rolling. 2 (in imper.) colloq. come quickly (roll on Friday!), roll up 1 colloq. arrive in a vehicle; appear on the scene. 2 make into or form a roll, strike off the rolls debar (esp. a solicitor) from practising. [Latin rotulus diminutive: related to rota] roll-call n. calling out a list of names to establish who is present, rolled gold n. thin coating of gold

applied to a base metal by rolling,

rolled oats

n.pl.

husked and crushed

oats.

roller

n. 1 a revolving cylinder for smoothing, spreading, crushing, stamphanging a towel on, etc., used alone or in a machine, b cylinder for diminishing friction when moving a heavy object. 2 small cylinder on which hair is rolled for setting. 3 long swelling wave. roller bearing n. bearing like a ballbearing but with small cylinders in-

ing,

stead of balls.

roller blind n. blind on a roller. roller-coaster n. 1 switchback at a fair etc. 2 (attrib.) (of emotions etc.) uncontrollable, unstable.

roller-skate -n. metal frame with small wheels, fitted to shoes for riding (-ting) move on roller-skates. roller-skater n. roller towel n. towel with the ends joined, hung on a roller. rollicking /'rolikin/ adj. jovial, exuber-

on a hard surface. —v. 1 kill (animals) for food or skins or because of disease. 2 kill (people) ruthlessly or on a great scale. 3 colloq. defeat utterly. — n. act of slaughtering. slaughterer n. [Old Norse: related to slay] slaughterhouse n. place for the slaughter of animals as food. Slav /slaiv/ -n. member of a group of peoples in central and eastern Europe speaking Slavonic languages, -adj. of the Slavs. [Latin Sclavus, ethnic name] slave —n. 1 person who is owned by and has to serve another. 2 drudge, hard worker. 3 (foil, by of, to) obsessive devotee (slave of fashion). 4 machine, or part of one, directly controlled by another, -v. (-ving) (often foil, by at, over) work very hard. [French esclave from Latin Sclavus Slav (captive)] slave-driver n. 1 overseer of slaves. 2

demanding boss. slave labour n. forced labour. slaver n. hist, ship or person engaged 1

in the slave-trade.

slaver

2

/'slaeva(r)/ -v. 1 dribble.

2

(foil,

by over) drool over. -n. 1 dribbling saliva. 2 a fulsome flattery, b drivel, nonsense. [Low German or Dutch]

slavery

condition of a slave. 2 drudgery. 3 practice of having slaves.

/'sleivari/ n.

1

Polish,

and Czech.

Slavonic Slav]

2 of the Slavs, -n. language-group, [related to

slay 1

n.

v. (past slew - kill [Old English]

literary

past part, slain) 2 = kill 4. m slayer

/slu:/; 1.

sleaze n. colloq. sleaziness. [back-formation from sleazy] sleazy adj. (-ier, -iest) squalid, tawdry. sleazily adv. sleaziness

n.

[origin

unknown] sled US -n. sledge, -v. (-dd-) ride on a sledge. [Low German] sledge -n. vehicle on runners for use on snow. -v. (-ging) travel or convey by sledge. [Dutch sleedse] n. / sled3,haema(r)/

sledgehammer

1

heavy long-handled hammer used to break stone etc. 2 (attrib.) heavy or powerful (sledgehammer blow). [Old large

English

slecg: related to slay]

sleek -adj. and glossy.

(of hair, skin, etc.) smooth 2 looking well-fed and comfortable, -v. make sleek. sleekly adv. sleekness n. [var. of slick] 1

sleep —n. 1 natural recurring condition of suspended consciousness, with the eyes closed and the muscles relaxed. 2 period of sleep (had a sleep). 3 state like sleep; rest, quiet, death, -v. (past and past part, slept)

b

fall asleep.

2

1

a be in a state of sleep,

(foil,

by at,

in, etc.)

spend

the night. 3 provide beds etc. for (house sleeps six). 4 (foil, by with, together) have sexual intercourse, esp. in bed. 5 (foil, by on) put off (a decision) until the next day. 6 (foil, by through) fail to be woken by. 7 be inactive or dead. 8 (foil, by off) remedy by sleeping, c get to sleep manage to fall asleep, go to sleep 1 begin to sleep. 2 (of a limb) become numb, put to sleep 1 anaesthetize. 2 put down (an animal), sleep around colloq. be sexually promiscuous, sleep in sleep later than usual in the morning. [Old English] sleeper n. 1 person or animal that sleeps. 2 horizontal beam supporting a railway track. 3 a sleeping-car. b berth in this. 4 ring or stud worn in a pierced ear to keep the hole open. sleeping-bag n. padded bag to sleep in

when camping sleeping-car

etc.

(also sleepingn. -carriage) railway coach with berths. sleeping partner n. partner not shar ing in the actual work of a firm.

sleeping-pill sleeping-pill

n. pill to

sleeping policeman the road to

make

n.

induce sleep, n.

traffic

sleeping sickness

ramp

etc. in

slow down, tropical disease

causing extreme lethargy, sleepless adj. 1 lacking sleep (sleepless night). 2 unable to sleep. 3 continually sleeplessness n. active, sleepwalk v. walk about while asleep.

sleepwalker n. sleepy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 drowsy. 2 quiet, inactive (sleepy town),

sleepiness n. sleet -n. 1 snow together. 2 hail or falls, -v. (prec. by falls (it is sleeting).

sleepily adv.

and rain falling snow melting as it it

as subject) sleet sleety adj. [Old

English] n. 1 part of a garment that encloses an arm. 2 cover of a gramophone up record. 3 tube enclosing a rod etc. sleeved adj. one's sleeve in reserve, (also in comb.), sleeveless adj. [Old

sleeve

English]

sleigh

/slei/ -n. sledge, esp. for riding on. -v. travel on a sleigh. [Dutch slee: related to sledge] sleight of /slait/ n. dexterity, esp. in conjuring. [Old Norse: related to sly] slender adj. (-er, -est) 1 a of small girth or breadth, b gracefully thin. 2 relatively small, scanty, inadequate, [origin

hand

unknown] slept past and past part, of sleep.

sleuth

/slu:8/ colloq. -n. detective, -v. investigate crime etc. [Old Norse] slew /slu:/ (also slue) -v. (often foil, by round) turn or swing forcibly to a new position, -n. such a turn, [origin 1

unknown]

slew 2 past

of slay. slice -n. 1 thin flat piece or wedge of esp. food cut off or out. 2 share; part. 3 longhandled kitchen utensil with a broad flat perforated blade. 4 Sport stroke that sends the ball obliquely, -v. (-cing) 1 (often foil, by up) cut into slices. 2 (foil, by off) cut off. 3 (foil, by into, through) cut (as) with a knife. 4 strike (a ball) with a slice. [French esc lice from Ger-

manic] slick -adj.

slip

858

colloq. 1 a skilful or efficient, b superficially or pretentiously smooth and dexterous; glib. 2 sleek, smooth, -n. large patch of oil etc., esp. on the sea. — v. colloq. 1 (usu. foil, by back, down) flatten (one's hair etc.). 2 (usu. foil, by up) make sleek or smart. slickly adv. slickness n. [Old English] slide (past and past part, slid) 1 move along a smooth surface with continuous contact on the same part of the thing moving. 2 move quietly or smoothly; glide. 3 glide over ice without

skates. 4 (foil, by over) barely touch (a delicate subject etc.). 5 (often by into) move quietly or unobtrusively, -n. 1 act of sliding. 2 rapid decline. 3 inclined plane down which children, goods, etc., slide. 4 track made by or for sliding, esp. on ice. 5 part of a machine or instrument that slides. 6 a mounted transparency viewed with a projector, b piece of glass holding an object for a microscope. 7 = hair-slide. let things slide be negligent; allow deterioration. [Old English] slide-rule n. ruler with a sliding central strip, graduated logarithmically for making rapid calculations. sliding scale n. scale of fees, taxes, wages, etc., that varies according to some other factor. slight /slait/ -adj. 1 a small; insignificant, b inadequate. 2 slender, fraillooking. 3 (in super I.) any whatever (if there were the slightest chance), -v. treat disrespectfully; ignore, -n. act of slighting. : slightly adv. slightness

upon

foil,

n.

[Old Norse] -adj. (slimmer, slimmest)

slim

1 not slender. 2 small, insufficient (slim chance), -v. (-mm-) (often foil, by down)

fat,

1

become slimmer by

dieting, exercise,

make smaller (slimmed it down to slimmer n. slimming & 40 pages). adj. slimmish adj. [Low German or etc. 2

rc.

Dutch]

slime

n.

thick slippery

mud

or sticky

substance produced by an animal or plant. [Old English]

slimline

adj. 1 of slender design. 2 (of a drink) not fattening.

slimy

adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 like,

covered

with, or full of slime. 2 colloq. disgustingly obsequious, z sliminess n. sling -n. 1 strap etc. used to support or raise a thing. 2 bandage supporting an injured arm from the neck. 3 strap etc. for firing a stone etc. by hand. - v. (past and past part, slung) 1 colloq. throw. 2 suspend with a sling, z sling one's hook slang go away. [Old Norse or Low German or Dutch] sling 2 n. sweetened drink of spirits (esp. gin) and water, [origin unknown] sling-back n. shoe held in place by a strap above the heel. slink v. (past and past part, slunk) (often foil, by off, away, by) move in a stealthy or guilty manner. [Old English] slinky adj. (-ier, -iest) (of a garment) close-fitting and sinuous. slip 1 -v. (-PP-) 1 slide unintentionally or momentarily; lose one's footing or balance. 2 go or move with a sliding motion. 3 escape or fall from being slippery or not being held properly. 4 1

slip (often

in,

out,

served or quietly. 5 a

away) go unob-

make a careless or

slight error, b fall below standard. 6 place or slide stealthily or casually (slipped a coin to him). 7 release from

or

restraint

stitch) to the

connection. 8 move (a other needle without knit-

ting it. 9 (foil, by on, off) pull (a garment) easily or hastily on or off. 10 escape from; evade {dog slipped its collar, slipped my mind), -n. 1 act of slipping. 2 careless or slight error. 3 a pillowcase, b petticoat. 4 (in sing, or pi.) = slipway. 5 Cricket a fielder stationed for balls

glancing off the bat to the off side, b give (in sing, or pi.) this position, a person the slip escape from; evade, utter inadvertently. 2 miss opportunity). 3 release, esp. a leash, slip up colloq. make a

let slip

(an

from

slot

859

by

foil,

1

mistake, [probably from

Low German

slippen]

slip" n. 1 small piece of paper, esp. for writing on. 2 piece cut from a plant for grafting or planting. slip of a small and slim (slip of a girl). [Low German or

Dutch] slip 3 n. clay and water mixture for decorating earthenware. [Old English,

= slime] slip-knot n. 1 knot that can be undone by a pull. 2 running knot. slip of the pen n. (also slip of the tongue) small written (or spoken) mistake.

slip-on -attrib. adj. easily slipped on and off. -n. slip-on shoe or garment. slippage n. act or an instance of slipping.

slipped disc

n. displaced disc between vertebrae causing lumbar pain. slipper n. light loose soft indoor shoe. slippery adj. 1 difficult to grasp, stand on, etc. because smooth or wet. 2 unreliable, unscrupulous. slipperiness n. [Old English] slippery slope n. course leading even-

tually to disaster.

slippy adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. slippery, look (or be) slippy make haste. slip-road n. road for entering or leaving a motorway etc. slipshod adj. careless, slovenly.

slipstream

n. current of air or water driven back by a revolving propeller or a moving vehicle slip-up n. colloq. mistake. slipway n. ramp for building ships or landing boats. slit -n. straight narrow incision or opening, -v. (-tt-; past and past part. slit) 1 make a slit in. 2 cut into strips. [Old English] .

slither

/'slioa(r)/

-v. slide unsteadily.

-n. act of slithering. slithery adj. [var. of slidder. related to slide] /'sliva(r)/ -n. long thin piece cut or split off. -u. 1 break off as a sliver. 2 break or form into slivers. [Old English]

sliver

Sloane

/slaun/ n. (in full Sloane Ranger) slang fashionable and convenupper-class young person. Sloaney adj. [Sloane Square in London, and Lone Ranger, cowboy hero] slob n. colloq. derog. lazy, untidy, or fat person. [Irish slab mud]

tional

slobber

-v. 1 dribble. 2 (foil, by over) drool over. -n. dribbling saliva. slobbery adj. [Dutch]

sloe

/slau/ n.

1

= blackthorn. 2

small sour bluish-black

fruit.

its

[Old Eng-

lish]

slog-i;. (-gg-) 1 hit hard and usu. wildly. 2 work or walk doggedly, -n. 1 hard random hit. 2 a hard steady work or walk, b spell of this, [origin unknown]

slogan

/'slaugan/ n. 1 catchy phrase used in advertising etc. 2 party cry; watchword. [Gaelic, = war cry] sloop n. small one-masted fore-and-aft rigged vessel. [Dutch sloep] slop -v. (-pp-) 1 (often foil, by over) spill over the edge of a vessel. 2 wet (the floor etc.) by slopping, -n. 1 liquid spilled or splashed. 2 sloppy language. 3 (in pi.) dirty waste water or wine etc. from a kitchen, bedroom, or prison vessels. 4 (in sing, or pi.) unappetizing weak liquid food, z slop about move about in a slovenly manner, slop out carry slops

out (in prison etc.). [Old English] 1 inclined position, direction, or state. 2 piece of rising or falling ground. 3 difference in level between the two ends or sides of a thing. 4 place for skiing on a mountain etc. -v. (-ping) 1 have or take a slope, slant. 2 cause to slope, z slope arms place one's rifle in a sloping position against one's shoulder, slope off slang go away, esp. to evade work etc. [aslope crosswise] sloppy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 wet, watery, too liquid. 2 careless, untidy. 3 foolishly sentimental. sloppily adv. sloppi-

slope -n.

ness n. slosh - v.

1 (often foil, by about) splash or flounder. 2 slang hit, esp. heavily. 3 colloq. a pour (liquid) clumsily, b pour liquid on. -n. 1 slush. 2 act or sound of splashing. 3 slang heavy blow. [var. of slush] sloshed predic. adj. slang drunk. slot -n. 1 slit in a machine etc. for a thing, esp. a coin, to be inserted. 2 slit, groove, etc. for a thing. 3 allotted place in a schedule, esp. in broadcasting, -v. (-tt-) 1 (often foil, by in, into) place or be

sloth placed (as slots.

into a slot. 2 provide with esclot hollow of breast] n. 1 laziness, indolence. 2 S. American mammal that

if)

[French

sloth slaofl slow-moving hangs upside down slothful adj. lazy,

slot-machine

n.

in trees, [from slow]

slothfully adv.

machine worked by

the insertion of a coin, esp. selling small items or providing amusement. -v. stand, move, or sit in a drooping fashion, -n. 1 slouching posture or movement. 2 slang incompetent [origin worker etc. slovenly or

slouch

unknown] slouch hat

n.

hat with a wide flexible

brim.

slough

1

slau

n.

swamp, miry

place.

[Old English]

slough 2

/slAf/ -n. part that an animal casts or moults, esp. a snake's cast skin. —17, (often foil, by off) cast or drop off as a slough, [origin unknown] Slough of Despond n. state of hope-

less depression.

Slovak

/'slauvaek/ -n. 1 native of Slovakia in Czechoslovakia. 2 language of

Slovakia, one of the two official languages of Czechoslovakia, -adj. of the Slovaks or their language, [native

name] ,/'slAv(a)n/ n. untidy or careless person, [origin uncertain] slovenly -adj. careless and untidy; unmethodical, -adv. in a slovenly manner, z slovenliness n. slow /slau/ -adj. 1 a taking a relatively long time to do a thing (also foil, by of: slow of speech), b acting, moving, or done without speed, not quick. 2 not conducive to speed (slow route). 3 (of a clock etc.) showing a time earlier than is correct. 4 (of a person) not understanding or learning readily. 5 dull, tedious. 6 slack, sluggish (business is slow). 7 (of a fire or oven) giving little heat. 8 Photog. (of a film) needing long exposure. 9 reluctant; not hasty (slow to anger), -adv. slowly (also in comb.: slow-moving traffic), -v. (usu. foil, by down, up) 1 reduce one's speed or the speed of (a vehicle etc.). 2 reduce one's pace of life, slowish adj. slowly adv. slowness n. [Old English] slowcoach n. colloq. slow person. slow-down n. action of slowing down. slow motion n. 1 speed of a film at which actions etc. appear much slower than usual. 2 simulation of this in real

action.

slow-worm lizard. [Old

sludge

n.

thick greasy

1

mud

sludgy

ment. 2 sewage.

or sediadj.

[cf.

slush]

slue slug

var. of 1

slew

1 .

small shell-less mollusc often destroying plants. 2 a bullet, esp. of irregular shape, b missile for an airgun. 3 Printing metal bar used in spacing. 4 mouthful of drink (esp. spirits). [Scandinavian] slug 2 US -v. (-gg-) hit hard. -n. hard blow, z slug it out fight it out. [origin n. 1

unknown] sluggard [related to

sluggish

/'slAgad/

lazy

n.

person,

slug 1 ] adj.

slow-moving,

inert;

z

sluggishly adv. sluggishness n. sluice /slu:s/ -n. 1 (also sluice-gate, sluice-valve) sliding gate or other contrivance for regulating the volume or flow of water. 2 water so regulated. 3 (sluice-way) artificial water-channel, esp. for washing ore. 4 place for rinsing. 5 act of rinsing, - v. (-cing) 1 provide or wash with a sluice or sluices. 2 rinse, esp. with running water. 3 (foil, by out, away) wash out or away with a flow of water. 4 (of water) rush out (as if) from a sluice.

[French escluse] 1 house unfit for

slum -n.

human

hab-

overcrowded and squalid district in a city. -v. (-mm-) visit

itation. 2 (often in pi.)

sloven

origin!

slush fund

860

n. small European legless English slow of uncertain

slums, esp. out of curiosity, z slum it put up with conditions less comz slummy adj.

colloq.

fortable than usual, [originally cant]

v. & n. poet, or joc. sleep. [Old English] slump -n. sudden severe or prolonged fall in prices and trade, usu. bringing

slumber

1 widespread unemployment, -v. undergo a slump. 2 sit or fall heavily or

limply, [imitative]

slung past and past part, of sling slunk past and past part, of slink. slur - v. (-rr-) 1 pronounce indistinctly 1

.

with sounds running into one another. 2 Mus. perform (notes) legato. 3 archaic or US put a slur on (a person or a person's character). 4 (usu. foil, by over) pass over (a fact, fault, etc.) lightly. -n. 1 imputation of wrongdoing. 2 act of slurring. 3 Mus. curved line joining notes to be slurred, [origin unknown] colloq. - v. eat or esp. drink noisily, -n. sound of this. [Dutch]

slurp

slurry

/'slAri/

n.

thin

cement, mud, manure, dial,

slur thin

semi-liquid

etc. [related to

mud]

thawing muddy snow. 2 silly sentimentality, z slushy adj. (-ier,

slush

n. 1

-iest). [origin

slush fund

unknown] n.

reserve fund, esp. for

political bribery.

slut slut

derog. slovenly or

n.

woman. unknown]

sluttish

promiscuous adj.

[origin

/slai/ adj. (slyer,

Sm symb. smack

1

samarium.

-n.

1

sharp slap or blow. 2 hard loud kiss. 4 loud

sharp sound, -v.

1

slap. 2 part (one's

lips) noisily in anticipation of food. 3

move,

etc., with a smack, -adv. with a smack. 2 suddenly;

hit, 1

directly; violently. 3 exactly {smack in the centre), a a smack in the eye (or face) colloq. rebuff; setback, [imitative] smack 2 (foil, by of) -v. 1 have a flavour of; taste of. 2 suggest (smacks of nepotism), -n. 1 flavour. 2 barely discernible quality. [Old English] smack 3 n. single-masted sailing-boat. [Low German or Dutch] smack 4 n. slang heroin or other hard drug, [probably alteration of Yiddish

schmeck

sniff]

smacker USUsmall not

slang

n.

1

loud kiss. 2 a

£1.

b

/smo:l/ -adj. 1 not large or big. 2 in importance, amount,

great

number, power, etc. 3 not much; little (paid small attention). 4 insignificant (from small beginnings). 5 of small particles (small shot). 6 on a small scale (small farmer). 7 poor or humble. 8 mean; ungenerous. 9 young (small child), -n. 1 slenderest part of a thing, esp. of the back. 2 (in pi) colloq. under-

wear, esp. as laundry, -adv. into small pieces (chop it small). feel (or look) small be humiliated or ashamed. smallish adj. smallness n. [Old English]

small small small small

smarm -v. colloq. 1 (often foil, by down) smooth, plaster

smarmy

flat

—n.

ingratiating, ness, [dial.]

(hair

collog.

etc.). 2 be obsequious-

adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. ingra-

smarmily adv. smarminess

tiating.

hit at cricket etc. 3

colloq.

small talk n. light social conversation, small-time adj. colloq. unimportant, petty.

slyest) 1 cunning, crafty, wily. 2 secretive. 3 knowing; on the sly secretly. insinuating. slyly adv. slyness n. [Old Norse: related to slay]

sly

smell

881

n.

smart

-adj. 1 well-groomed, neat. 2 brightly coloured, newly painted, etc. 3 stylish, fashionable. 4 (esp. US) clever, ingenious, quickwitted. 5 quick, brisk. 6 painfully severe; sharp, vigorous, - v. 1 feel or give pain. 2 rankle. 3 (foil, by for) suffer the consequences of. -n. sharp pain; stinging sensation, -adv. smartly. smartish adj. & adv. smartly adv. smartness n. [Old English]

smart alec n.

smart aleck) colloq.

(also

conceited know-all.

smarten

(usu.

v.

foil,

by up) make or

become smart.

smart money

n. money invested by people with expert knowledge. smash -v. 1 (often foil, by up) a break into pieces; shatter, b bring or come to sudden destruction, defeat, or disaster. 2 (foil, by into, through) move with great force. 3 (foil, by in) break with a crushing blow. 4 hit (a ball etc.) with great force, esp. downwards, -n. 1 act of smashing, collision. 2 sound of this. 3 (in full smash hit) very successful play, song, performer, etc. -adv. with a

smash, [imitative]

smash-and-grab a shop-window

is

robbery in which smashed and goods

n.

seized.

smasher n.

colloq. beautiful

or pleasing

person or thing.

smashing

adj. colloq. excellent,

won-

derful.

arms beer fry

smash-up

n.pl portable firearms,

n.

n.

coins, not notes,

unimportant people;

ledge chil-

n.

farmer of a smallhold

ing.

smallholding

n.

agricultural holding

smaller than a farm,

small hours

n.pl.

period soon after

a

language

etc.

know[origin

unknown]

small-minded

1 daub or mark with grease 2 smudge. 3 defame, -n. 1 act of smearing. 2 Med. a material smeared on a microscopic slide etc. for examination, b specimen of this. smeary adj. [Old English]

etc.

smear

midnight. adj.

petty;

narrow

in

outlook.

smallpox

of

violent collision. superficial

n. slight

smear -v.

dren.

smallholder

n.

smattering

n. trifling thing,

change

n. hist, acute contagious disease with fever and pustules, usu. leaving scars. small print n. unfavourable clauses etc. in a contract, usu. printed small. small-scale adj. made or occurring on a small scale.

test

n.

= cervical smear.

smell -n.

1 faculty of perceiving odours. 2 quality in substances that is perceived by this. 3 unpleasant odour. 4 act of inhaling to ascertain smell, -v. (past

and past

part, smelt or smelled) 1 perceive or examine by smell. 2 emit an odour; stink. 3 seem by smell to be (smells sour). 4 (foil, by of) a emit the odour of (smells offish), b be suggestive

smelling-salts of (smells of dishonesty). 5 perceive; detect {smell a bargain). 6 have or use a smell a rat suspect sense of smell. trickery etc. smell out detect by smell Or investigation. [Old English]

smelling-salts

sharp-smelling n.pi. substances sniffed to relieve faintness

etc.

smelly

adj. (-ier, -iest)

having a strong

smelliness n. or unpleasant smell, smelt v. 1 extract metal from (ore) by melting. 2 extract (metal) in this way. 1

smelter

n.

[Low German or Dutch

smelten] 2

smelt past and past part, of smell. smelt 3 n. (pi. same or -s) small edible green and silver

smidgen

fish.

/'smid3(a)n/

[Old English] n.

(also

smidgin)

small bit or amount, [perhaps in the same sense] /'smailaeks/ n. any of several climbing shrubs. [Greek, = bindweed] smile -v. (-ling) 1 have or assume a happy, kind, or amused expression, with the corners of the mouth turned up. 2 express by smiling (smiled a welcome). 3 give (a smile) of a specified kind (smiled a sardonic smile). 4 (foil, by on, upon) favour (fortune smiled on me), -n. 1 act of smiling. 2 smiling expression or aspect, [perhaps from Scandincolloq.

from smitch

smilax

avian]

smirch

-v.

stain, [origin

discredit,

soil;

-n.

spot,

unknown]

smirk

-n. conceited or silly smile, -v. give a smirk. [Old English] smite v. ( ting; past smote; past part. smitten /'smit(a)n/) 1 archaic or literary a hit. b chastise; defeat. 2 (in passive) affect strongly; seize (smitten with regret; smitten by her beauty). [Old English]

smith

blacksmith. 2 (esp. in comb.) in metal (goldsmith). 3 (esp. in

n. 1

worker

comb.) craftsman English]

smithereens fragments,

(wordsmith).

[Old

/,smida'ri:nz/ n.pl. small

[dial,

smithers]

smithy /'smioi/ n.

(pi. -ies)

workshop, forge, [related

blacksmith's

to smith]

smitten past part,

of smite. -n. 1 loose shirtlike garment often ornamented with smocking. 2 loose overall. -v. adorn with smocking. (Old English]

smock

smocking n. ornamental effect on cloth made by gathering

it

tightly

with

stitches.

smog ad)

n.

smoke-laden fog. smoggy [portmanteau word] r

(-ier, -iest).

smoke

smoulder

862

-n. 1 visible vapour from a burning substance. 2 act of smoking tobacco. 3 colloq. cigarette or cigar, -v. (-king; 1 a inhale and exhale the smoke

of (a cigarette 2 3

emit

etc.).

smoke

b do this habitually. visible vapour.

or

darken or preserve with smoke go up in smoke (smoked salmon). colloq. come to nothing, smoke out 1 drive out by means of smoke. 2 drive out of hiding

etc.

[Old English]

smoke bomb n. bomb that emits dense smoke on exploding. smoke-free adj. 1 free from smoke. where smoking

smokeless

is

2

not permitted.

producing smoke; free from smoke. adj.

little

or no

smokeless zone n. district where only smokeless fuel may be used. smoker n. 1 person who habitually smokes. 2 compartment on a train where smoking is allowed. smokescreen n. 1 cloud of smoke concealing (esp. military) operations. 2 ruse for disguising one's activities. n. 1 chimney or funnel of a locomotive or steamer. 2 tall chimney. smoky adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 emitting, filled with, or obscured by, smoke. 2 stained with or coloured like smoke. 3 having smokithe flavour of smoked food.

smokestack

ness

n.

smolder US var.

of smoulder. colloq. —n. 1 period of slow close dancing. 2 period of kissing and caressing, -v. engage in a smooch. smoochy adj. [imitative] smooth /smu:6/ -adj. 1 having an even surface; free from projections, dents, and roughness. 2 that can be traversed without check. 3 (of the sea etc.) calm, flat. 4 (of a journey etc.) easy. 5 not harsh in sound or taste. 6 suave, conci(often liatory; slick. 7 not jerky, -v.

smooch

"\

by out, down) make or become smooth. 2 (often foil, by out, down, over, away) reduce or get rid of (differences, foil,

faults, difficulties, etc.) in fact or appearance, -n. smoothing touch or stroke. smoothly adv. -adv. smoothly. smoothness n. [Old English] smoothie /'smu:di/ n. colloq., often derog. smooth person. smooth-tongued adj. insincerely flat-

tering.

smorgasbord

/'smo:gas,bo:d/

n.

various esp. savoury dishes as hors d'oeuvres or a buffet meal. [Swedish] smote past of smite.

smother

/'smAda(r)/

v.

1

suffocate,

stifle. 2 (foil, by in, with) overwhelm or cover with (kisses, gifts, kindness, etc.). 3 extinguish (a fire) by covering it. 4 a die of suffocation, b have difficulty breathing. 5 (oftei\foll. by up) suppress or conceal. [Old English]

smoulder -v.

1

/'smaulda(r)/ (US smolder) burn slowly without flame or

smudge

unknown]

smudge mark,

-n. blurred or smeared line, (-ging) 1 make a of. 2 become smeared or

blot, etc. -v.

smudge on or

smudgy

blurred.

adj.

[origin

unknown]

smug

(smugger, smuggest)

adj.

self-

smugly adv. smugness [Low German smuk pretty]

satisfied,

smuggle

/'smAg(a)l/

v.

(-ling)

1

n.

(also

import or export illegally, esp. without paying duties. 2 (foil, by in, out) smuggler n. smugconvey secretly. gling n. [Low German] smut-rc. 1 small flake of soot etc. 2 spot or smudge made by this. 3 obscene talk, pictures, or stories. 4 fungous disease of cereals. -v. (-tt-) mark with smuts. absol.)

:

smutty unknown]

Sn symb.

adj.

(-ier,

-iest).

[origin

tin.

place where snacks are

n.

sold.

snaffle /'snaef(a)l/ -n. (in full snaffle-bit) simple bridle-bit without a curb. — v. (-ling) colloq. steal; seize.

[Low German

or Dutch perhaps from snavel beak] snafu /snae'fu:/ slang -adj. in utter confusion, -n. this state, [acronym of 'situation normal: all /ouled (or /ucked)

,

snag-rc.

1 unexpected obstacle or drawback. 2 jagged projection. 3 tear in material etc. -v. (-gg-) catch or tear on a snag, [probably Scandinavian]

'

|

:

snail

!

n.

slow-moving gastropod mollusc

with a spiral shell. [Old English] snail's pace n. very slow movement, snake -n. 1 long limbless reptile. 2 (also snake in the grass) traitor; secret

enemy, -v. (-king) move or twist n.

ters moved 'snakes',

up

'ladders'

and down

snakeskin -n. skin of a snake, made of snakeskin. snaky adj. 1 of or like a snake. 2

-adj.

windcunning, treacherous, (-pp-) 1 break suddenly or with a cracking sound. 2 (cause to) emit a sudden sharp crack. 3 open or close with a snapping sound. 4 speak or say irrit-

ing, sinuous. 3

snap -v.

•

ably. 5 (often

audible

by at) make a sudden move quickly (snap into

foil,

j

I

seize] n.

plant with a two-lipped

flower.

snap-fastener n. = press-stud. snapper n. any of several edible marine fish.

snappish

adj.

1

curt;

ill-tempered;

sharp. 2 inclined to snap.

bite. 6

adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. 1 brisk, 2 neat and elegant (snappy dresser). 3 snappish, z make it snappy lively.

be quick, z snappily adv. n. casual or informal photograph. snare /snea(r)/ -n. 1 trap, esp. with a noose, for birds or animals. 2 trap, trick, or temptation. 3 (in sing, or pi.) twisted strings of gut, hide, or wire stretched across the lower head of a side-drum to produce a rattle. 4 (in full snare drum) drum fitted with snares, -v. (-ring) catch in a snare; trap. [Old Norse] snarl 1 -v. 1 growl with bared teeth. 2 speak, say, or express angrily. -n. act or sound of snarling, [snar from Low Ger-

man] snarl 2

-v. (often

foil,

by up)

twist; en-

hamper the movement of (traffic become entangled or congested.

tangle; etc.);

-n. knot, tangle, [from snare]

snarl-up

jam; muddle. by away, from)

n. colloq. traffic

snatch -v.

1

(often

foil,

by grabbing, b slang kidnap. 3 secure with difficulty. 4 (foil, by at) a try to

treated as sing.) board-game with coun-

i

pen

snapdragon

person appearing

make snakes move by music etc. snakes and ladders n.pl. (usu.

;

-adv. with a snap (heard it go snap), -adj. done without forethought (snap decision), z snap out of slang get rid of (a mood, etc.) by a sudden effort, snap up accept (an offer etc.) quickly or eagerly. [Low German or Dutch snap-

remove quickly, eagerly, or unexpectedly. 2 a steal (a handbag etc.)

to

:

similar cards are exposed, b

(as int.) on noticing an (often unexpected) similarity. 6 vigour, liveliness.

like a

snake. [Old English]

snake-charmer

*

when two

snapshot

meals. [Dutch]

snack bar

action). 7 photograph. -n. 1 act or sound of snapping. 2 crisp biscuit (brandy snap). 3 snapshot. 4 (in full cold snap) sudden brief spell of cold weather. 5 a card-game in which players call 'snap'

snappy

[Latin tannum] snack n. 1 light, casual, or hurried meal. 2 small amount of food eaten between

i

sneak

863

internally. 2 (of emotions) be fierce but suppressed. 3 (of a person) show silent [origin smouldering, emotion, -n.

seize or

seize, b take (an offer etc.) eagerly, —n, 1 act of snatching. 2 fragment of a song or talk etc. 3 US slang kidnapping. 4 short spell of activity etc. [related to snack]

snazzy stylish,

ness

adj.

(-ier,

-iest)

slang smart,

showy, z snazzily adv. snazzi-

n. [origin

sneak -v.

unknown]

by in, out, past, away, go or convey furtively. 2 slang steal unobserved. 3 slang tell tales; turn 1 (foil,

etc.)

informer. 4 (as sneaking adj.) a furtive (sneaking affection), b persistent and puzzling (sneaking fee ling). -n. 1 meanspirited underhand person. 2 slang tell-

sneaker informer, -adj. acting or done sneaky adj. without warning; secret, uncertain] sneaker n. slang soft-soled canvas tale;

(-ier, -iest). [origin

shoe.

sneak-thief n. breaking

thief who steals without

in.

sneer

-n. contemptuous smile or remark, -u 1 (often foil, by at) smile or speak derisively. 2 say with a sneer. sneering adj. sneeringly adv. [origin

unknown] sneeze -n. sudden loud involuntary expulsion of air from the nose and mouth caused by irritation of the nosnot to trils, -y. (-zing) make a sneeze. colloq. worth having or considering. [Old English] snick -v. 1 make a small notch or incision in. 2 Cricket deflect (the ball) slightly with the bat. -n. 1 small notch or cut. 2 Cricket slight deflection of the ball, [snickersnee long knife, ultimately

be sneezed at

from Dutch]

snicker n. & v. = snigger, [imitative] snide adj. sneering; slyly derogatory, [origin unknown] inhale air audibly through the nose. 2 (often foil, by up) draw in through the nose. 3 smell the scent of by sniffing, -n. 1 act or sound of sniffing. 2 amount of air etc. sniffed up. sniff at show contempt for. sniff out = smell

sniff -v.

1

out. [imitative]

person who sniffs, esp. a drug comb. glue-sniffer). sniffer-dog n. colloq. dog trained to sniff out drugs or explosives. sniffer

snotty

864

n.

etc. (often in

:

sniffle /'snif(a)l/ -v. (-ling) sniff slightly or repeatedly, -n. 1 act of sniffling. 2 (in sing, or pi.) cold in the head causing sniffling, [imitative; cf. snivel]

sniffy adj.

colloq. (-ier, -iest) disdainful, sniffily adv. sniffiness n. snifter n. slang small alcoholic drink, [dial, snift sniff]

snigger -n. half-suppressed

laugh, -u. utter this. [var. of snicker] snip -v. (-pp-) (also absol.) cut with scissors etc., esp. in small quick strokes. -n. 1 act of snipping. 2 piece snipped off. 3 slang a something easily done, b bargain. [Low German or Dutch snippen]

snipe -n.

(pi. same or -s) wading bird bill. -v. (-ping) 1 shots from hiding, usu. at long range. 2 (often foil, by at) make a sly

with a long straight fire

critical attack,

sniper n. (in sense 1 of [probably Scandinavian] n. 1 small piece cut off. 2 (usu. in pi.) a scrap of information etc. b short extract from a book etc.

V.).

snippet smpit/

snitch slang -v. 1 steal. 2 (often foil, by on) inform on a person. -/?. informer, [origin unknown] snivel /'smv(a)l/ -v. (-11-; US -1-) 1 weep with sniffling. 2 run at the nose; sniffle. 3 show weak or tearful sentiment, —n. act of snivelling. [Old English] n. person who despises those inferior in social position, wealth, intellect, taste, etc. (intellectual snob).

snob

snobbery

n.

snobbish adj. snobby unknown]

adj. (-ier, -iest). [origin

snog

slang

- v.

(-gg-)

engage in kissing

and caressing, -n. period of this, [origin unknown] snood n. ornamental hairnet, worn usu. at the back of the head. [Old English] snook n. slang contemptuous gesture with the thumb to the nose and the fingers spread. cock a snook (often foil, by at) 1 make this gesture. 2 register one's contempt, [origin unknown] snooker -n. 1 game played on an oblong cloth-covered table with a cueball, 15 red, and 6 coloured balls. 2 position in this game in which a direct shot would lose points, -v. 1 (also refl.) subject (oneself or an opponent) to a snooker. 2 (esp. as snookered adj.) slang thwart, defeat, [origin unknown] snoop colloq. -u. 1 pry into another's affairs. 2 (often foil, by about, around) investigate transgressions of rules, the snooper law, etc. -n. act of snooping. n. snoopy adj. [Dutch]

snooty adj.

(-ier, -iest) colloq. supercili-

snootily ous; conceited; snobbish. adv. [origin unknown] snooze colloq. -n. short sleep, nap. - v. (-zing) take a snooze, [origin unknown] snore -n. snorting or grunting sound of breathing during sleep, -v. (-ring)

make this sound, [imitative] snorkel /'sno:k(a)l/ -n. 1

breathing-

tube for an underwater swimmer. 2 device for supplying air to a submerged submarine. -i>. (-11-; US -1-) use a snorkel. [German Schnorchel] snort -n. 1 explosive sound made esp. by horses by the sudden forcing of breath through the nose. 2 similar human sound showing contempt, incredulity, etc. 3 colloq. small drink of liquor. 4 slang inhaled dose of powdered cocaine etc. - v. 1 make a snort. 2 (also absol.) slang inhale (esp. cocaine). 3 express or utter with a snort, [imitative] snot n. slang nasal mucus, [probably Low German or Dutch: related to snout] snotty adj. (-ier, -iest) slang 1 running or covered with nasal mucus. 2 snooty. snottily adv. 3 mean, contemptible. snottiness n.

snout

projecting nose and mouth of 2 derog. person's nose. 3 pointed front of a thing. [Low German or Dutch] snow /snau/ ~n. 1 frozen atmospheric vapour falling to earth in light white flakes. 2 fall or layer of this. 3 thing resembling snow in whiteness or texture etc. 4 slang cocaine, -v. 1 (prec. by it as subject) snow falls (it is snowing; if it snows). 2 (foil, by in, over, up, etc.) confine or block with snow, n be

snout

n. 1

an animal.

snowed under be overwhelmed,

esp.

with work. [Old English] ball of compressed snow throwing in play. -v. 1 throw or pelt with snowballs. 2 increase rapidly.

for

snowball-tree

snowberry

guelder rose.

n.

(pi.

n.

-ies)

shrub with

temporarily blinded by the glare from snow, adj.

snowblower

n.

machine that clears

snow by blowing.

snowbound

adj. prevented by snow from going out or travelling, n. snow-covered mountain

snowcap

snowcapped adj. peak, snowdrift n. bank of snow heaped up by the wind.

snowdrop

n. early spring plant with white drooping flowers, n. 1 fall of snow. 2 amount of

snowfall this.

snowflake

each of the flakes in

n.

which snow

falls.

snow goose n.

white Arctic goose, n. level above which snow never melts entirely, snowman n. figure resembling a human, made of compressed snow,

snowline

snowmobile

/'snauma,bi:l/ n. motor vehicle, esp. with runners or Caterpillar tracks, for travel over snow,

snowplough n. (US snowplow) device or vehicle for clearing roads of thick

snow.

snowshoe

n. racket-shaped attachment to a boot for walking on snow without sinking in. snowstorm n. heavy fall of snow, esp. with a high wind.

snow white

adj.

&

(as adj. often

n.

hyphenated) pure white, (-ier, -iest) 1

of or like snow.

2 (of the weather etc.) with much snow, n. large white Arctic owl. abbr. Scottish National Party. Snr. abbr. Senior. snub -v. (-bb-) rebuff or humiliate with sharp words or coldness, —n. act of snubbing, -adj. short and blunt in shape. [Old Norse, = chide]

snowy owl

SNP

n.

short turned-up nose.

snub-nosed adj. snuff -n. charred part of a candle-wick. -i>. trim the snuff from (a candle). 1

snuff it slang die. snuff out 1 extinguish (a candle flame). 2 put an end to (hopes etc.). [origin unknown] snufP -n. powdered tobacco or medicine taken by sniffing, -v. take snuff. [Dutch]

snuffbox n. small box for holding snuff. snuffer

n. device for snuffing or extinguishing a candle.

/'snAf(a)l/ -v. (-ling) 1 make sniffing sounds. 2 speak or say nasally or whiningly. 3 breathe noisily, esp.

with a blocked nose. -n. snuffling sound or tone. snuffly adj. [Low German or

Dutch

snuffelen]

snug -adj.

white berries.

snow-blind

snub nose

snuffle

snowball -n.

snowy adj.

soak

865

(snugger, snuggest)

1

cosy,

comfortable, sheltered. 2 close-fitting. -n. small room in a pub. d snugly adv. [probably Low German or Dutch] snuggery n. (pi. -ies) snug place, den. snuggle /'snAg(8)l/ v. (-ling) settle or draw into a warm comfortable position. so 1 /sau/ -adv. 1 to such an extent (stop complaining so; so small as to be invisible; not so late as I expected). 2 in this or that way; in the manner, position, or state described or implied (place your feet so; am not cold but may become so). 3 also (he went and so did I). 4 indeed, actually (you said it was good, and so it is). 5 very (/ am so glad). 6 (with verbs of saying or thinking etc.) thus, this, that (/ think so; so he said), -conj. (often foil, by that) 1 consequently (was ill, so couldn't come). 2 in order that (came early so that I could see you). 3 and then; as the next step (so then I gave up; and so to bed). 4 (introducing a question) then; after that (so what did you do?), c and so on (or forth) 1 and others of the same kind. 2 and in other similar ways, or so approximately (50 or so), so as to in order to. so be it expression of acceptance or resignation, so long! colloq. goodbye, so much 1 a certain amount (of). 2 nothing but (so much nonsense). so much for that is all that need be done or said about (a thing), so so adj. & adv. colloq. only moderately good or well, so what? colloq. that is not significant. [Old English] so 2 var. of soh. -so comb, form = -soever. soak -v. 1 make or become thoroughly wet through saturation. 2 (of rain etc.) drench. 3 (foil, by in, up) absorb (liquid, knowledge, etc.). 4 refl. (often foil, by in) steep (oneself) in a subject etc. 5 (foil, by

soakaway

lish] pit into which liquids may flow and then percolate slowly into the

soakaway n. subsoil.

soaking

adj. (in full

soaking wet) wet

through. /'sauan.sau/ n.

(pi.

-so's) 1

particular but unspecified person or thing. 2 colloq. objectionable person. soap -n. 1 cleansing agent yielding lather when rubbed in water. 2 colloq. = soap opera, -v. apply soap to. [Old English] soapbox n. makeshift stand for a speaker in the street etc. soap flakes n.pl. thin flakes of soap for washing clothes etc.

soap opera

n. broadcast drama serial with domestic themes (orig. sponsored in the US by soap manufacturers).

soap powder with additives,

powdered soap, esp. for washing clothes etc. n.

soapwort

n.

n.

soar

v. 1 fly or rise high. 2 reach a high level or standard. 3 fly without flapping

wings or using power. [French

essorer]

sob -v.

(-bb-) 1 inhale convulsively, usu. with weeping. 2 utter with sobs. -/z. act or sound of sobbing, [imitative] sober -adj. (soberer, soberest) 1 not drunk. 2 not given to drink. 3 moderate, tranquil, sedate, serious. 4 not exaggerated. 5 (of a colour etc.) quiet; dull. -v. (often foil, by down, up) make or become

soberly adv. [French from

sober. Latin]

being sober.

n.

[Latin: related to sober]

sobriquet briquet

/'saubn.kei/

/'su:-/)

sob story n.

n.

(also

sou-

nickname. [French]

colloq. story

or explanation

appealing for sympathy.

Soc. abhr. so-called

1

Socialist. 2 Society.

adj.

commonly

called, often

incorrectly.

soccer

ility /-'biliti/ n. sociably adv. [Latin socius companion] /'sauj(a)l/ -adj. 1 of society or its -organization, esp. of the relations of people or classes of people. 2 living in organized communities. 3 needing companionship; gregarious, -n. social gathering, esp. of a club. socially adv. [Latin: related to sociable]

social

/'sDka(r)/ n.

[from Assoc.]

n.

person anxious to

gain a higher social status.

social contract n. agreement between the State and population for mutual advantage.

social

democracy

n. political

system

favouring a mixed economy and democratic social change. social democrat n.

socialism

n. 1 political

and economic

theory advocating State ownership and control of the means of production, distribution, and exchange. 2 social system based on this. socialist n. & adj. socialistic /-'listik/ related to social]

socialite

[French:

adj.

/'sauja.lait/ n.

person moving

Association football,

/'sauja.laiz/

v.

(also

-ise)

(-zing or -sing) 1 mix socially. 2 make social. 3 organize on socialistic principles. socialization /-'zeij(a)n/ n. social science n. the study of society and social relationships. social

scientist

n.

social security n. State assistance to the poor and unemployed etc. social services n.pl. welfare services provided by the State, esp. education, health, and housing. social work n. professional or voluntary work with disadvantaged groups. social

worker

n.

society /sa'saiati/ n. (pi. -ies) 1 organized and interdependent community. 2 system and organization of this. 3 aristocratic part of this; its society; society

members (polite

would not approve). 4

mixing with others; companionship, company. 5 club, association (music society;

/sa'braiiti/

com-

sociab-

pany, gregarious; friendly.

socialize

plant with pink or white flowers, and leaves yielding a soapy substance. soapy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of or like soap. 2 containing or smeared with soap. 3 unctuous, flattering. soapily adv. soapi-

sobriety

/'S8ujab(8)l/ adj. liking

in fashionable society.

soapstone n. steatite. soapsuds n.pl. = suds.

the

sociable

social climber

so-and-so

ness

sociology

866

through) (of liquid) go or penetrate by saturation. 6 colloq. extort money from. 7 colloq. drink heavily, -n. 1 act of soaking; prolonged spell in a bath. 2 colloq. hard drinker. [Old Engin, into,

building

society).

societal

adj. [Latin societas]

Society of Friends n. pacifist Christian sect with no written creed or ordained ministers; Quakers.

Society of Jesus see Jesuit. socio- comb, form of society or sociology (and) (socio-economic). [Latin: related to social] sociology /,sausi'Dl8d3i/ n. the study of sociosociety and social problems.

logical /-a lDd3ik(a)l/ adj. sociologist n. [French: related to social]

sock sock

1

slipper]

sock 2 colloq. -v.

hit hard. -n. hard blow. sock it to attack or address (a person or people) vigorously, [origin unknown!

socket

hollow for something esp. a device receiving an

/'sokit/ n.

to fit into etc., electric plug,

light-bulb,

etc.

[Anglo-

French]

Socratic

/sa'kraetik/ adj. of Socrates or

his philosophy.

Socratic irony

n. pose of ignorance to entice others into refutable statements.

method

Socratic

n. dialectic,

proced-

ure by question and answer.

sod

1

piece of turf. 2 surface of the ground. [Low German or Dutch] 2 sod coarse slang -n. 1 unpleasant or awkward person or thing. 2 fellow (lucky sod), -v. (dd) 1 damn (sod them!). 2 (as sodding adj.) damned. sod off go away, [abbreviation of sodomite] soda /'sauda/ n. 1 compound of sodium in common use. 2 (in full soda water) effervescent water used esp. with spirits etc. as a drink, [perhaps from Latin sodanum from Arabic] n. 1 turf,

soda bread

n.

bread leavened with

baking-soda.

soda fountain

1 device supplying soda water. 2 shop or counter with this,

sodden

n.

/'sod(a)n/

adj.

saturated;

1

soaked through. 2 stupid or dull etc. with drunkenness, [archaic past part, of seethe]

sodium

/'saudiam/ n. soft silver-white metallic element, [from soda] white crystal line compound used in baking-powder.

j

|

n.

etc.;

caustic

lamp using sodium

vapour and giving a yellow

light.

in fertilizers etc.

sodomite

/'sDda.mait/ n. person who practises sodomy. [Greek: related to

SODOMY]

sodomy

/'sodami/

sodomize I

L

smooth;

fine;

weaker by preliminary (a person)

attack, b make more receptive to persuasion.

softener n. soft fruit n. small stoneless strawberry or currant),

fruit (a

v.

n.

= buggery.

(also -ise) (-zing or -sing).

from Sodom: Gen. 18,19] Sod's Law n. = Murphy's Law. [Latin

soever

I

kind; to

I

may

n.pl. curtains, rugs,

etc.

softie n. (also softy) (pi. -ies) colloq. weak, silly, or soft-hearted person. softly-softly adj. (also softly, softly) (of strategy) cautious and cunning. soft option n. easier alternative. soft palate n. rear part of the palate. soft pedal -n. piano pedal that softens the

tone. -v. (soft-pedal) (-11-; US refrain from emphasizing; be restrained. soft roe see roe 1 soft sell n. restrained salesmanship. -1-)

i

I

1 not hard; easily cut or malleable. 2 (of cloth etc.) not rough. 3 (of wind etc.) mild, gentle. 4 (of water) low in mineral salts and lathering easily. 5 (of light or colour etc.) not brilliant or glaring. 6 (of sound) gentle, not loud. 7 (of a consonant) sibilant (as c in ice, s in pleasure). 8 (of an outline etc.) vague, blurred. 9 gentle, conciliatory. 10 compassionate, sympathetic. 11 feeble, half-witted, silly, sentimental. 12 colloq. (of a job etc.) easy. 13 (of drugs) not highly addictive. 14 (also soft-core) (of pornography) not highly obscene. 15 (of currency) likely to fall in value; not readily exchangeable into other currencies, -adv. softly. be soft on colloq. 1 be lenient towards. 2 be infatuated with, have a soft spot for be fond of. softish adj. softly adv. softness n. [Old English] Softball n. form of baseball using a softer and larger ball. soft-boiled adj. (of an egg) boiled leaving the yolk soft. soft-centred adj. 1 (of a sweet) having a soft centre. 2 soft-hearted; sentimental. soft drink n. non-alcoholic drink. soften /'sof(a)n/ v. 1 make or become soft or softer. 2 (often foil, by up) a make

dented;

soft furnishings

pound used

I

fitta)

soft -adj.

soft-hearted adj. tender, compassionate. soft-heartedness n.

sodium nitrate n. white powdery com-

I

long upholstered seat with a back and arms. [Arabic shuffa] sofa bed n. sofa that can be converted into a bed. soffit /'sDfit/ n. undersurface of an arch, lintel, etc. [French soffite, Italian sof/'saufa/ n.

sodium chloride n. common salt, sodium hydroxide n. strongly alkal ine compound used in soap soda.

I

sofa

sodium bicarbonate n.

sodium lamp

.

soft target

867

knitted covering for the foot and lower leg. 2 insole, n pull one's socks up colloq. make an effort to improve, put a sock in it slang be quiet. [Old English socc from Greek sukkhos n. 1

any any extent (how great soever it

/sau'eva(r)/ adv. literary of

be).

1

-soever comb, form of any kind;

1

extent (whatsoever, howsoever).

.

soft

to

any

soap

-n. colloq. persuasive flattery, -v. (soft-soap) colloq. persuade with flattery. soft-spoken adj. having a gentle voice, soft target n. vulnerable person or thing.

j

soft

touch

soft

touch

over money.

esp.

software n. programs for a computer. softwood n. easily sawn wood of deciduous trees. softy var. of softie.

soggy

sDgi adj. (-ier, -iest) sodden, saturated; too moist (soggy bread).

sogginess

soh

sau

major

n.

n. [dial,

sog marsh]

(also so)

scale.

Mus.

fifth

[Latin solve,

note of a

word

arbit-

rarily taken]

soigne

swamjei

adj.

soignee

(Jem.

pronunc. same) well-groomed. [French] soil n. 1 upper layer of earth in which plants grow. 2 ground belonging to a nation; territory (on French soil). [Latin solium seat, solum ground] soil 2 — v. 1 make dirty; smear or stain. 2 defile; discredit. -n. 1 dirty mark. 2 filth; refuse. [French soill(i)er) soil pipe n. discharge-pipe of a lavat1

ory.

soiree

swa:rei

n.

evening party, usu.

for conversation or music. [French] soixante-neuf ,swa:sdt'n3:f n. slang

mutual oral stimulation of the

genitals.

[French, = sixty-nine] sDd3(a)n -n. temporary' stay. -v. stay temporarily. [French sojorner] sola 'saoia n. pithy-stemmed E. Indian swamp plant. [Urdu] solace solas/ —il comfort in sadness, disappointment, or tedium, - v. (-cing) give solace to. [Latin solatium] solan saulan n. (in full solan goose large gooselike gannet. [Old Norse] solar 'saula(r) adj. of or reckoned by the sun. [Latin 50/ sun] solar battery n. (also solar cell) de vice converting solar radiation into

sojourn

electricity.

solar day

n. interval transits of the sun.

between meridian

solarium sa'leanam

n. (pi. -ria)

room

with sun-lamps or a glass roof etc. [Latin: related to solar] solar panel n. panel that absorbs the sun's rays as an energy source. solar plexus n. complex of nerves at the pit of the stomach.

solar system n. the sun and the celestial bodies whose motion it governs. solar year n. time taken for the earth to travel once round the sun. sola topi n. sun-helmet made from the pith of the sola plant.

sold past and past part, of sell. -adj. (foil,

by on)

solicitous

868

n. colloq. gullible person,

colloq. enthusiastic

about. -n. fusible alloy used to join metals or wires etc. —v. join with solder. [Latin: related to solid]

solder solda(o,

soldering iron

sau-/

n.

heated tool for melt-

ing and applying solder.

soldier saold3a(r) -n. 1 member of an army. 2 (in full common soldier) private or NCO in an army. 3 colloq. finger of bread for dipping into egg. -v. serve soldier on colloq. peras a soldier.

soldierly adj. severe doggedly. [French soulde, originally = soldier's pay]

soldier of fortune n. mercenary, soldiery n. soldiers, esp. of a specified character. sole' -n. 1 undersurface of the foot. 2 part of a shoe, sock, etc., under the foot, esp. other than the heel. 3 lower surface or base of a plough, golf-club head, etc. -v. (-ling) provide (a shoe etc.) with a sole. -soled adj. (in comb.). [Latin solea sandal] sole- n. (pi. same or -s) flat-fish used as food. [Latin solea sandal, which the shape of fish resembles] sole' adj. one and only; single, exclusive. [French from Latin solus]

solecism 'sDh,siz(a)m grammar or idiom. 2

n. 1 mistake of offence against etiquette, z solecistic -sistik adj. [Greek soloikos speaking incorrectly] solely 'saulli adv. 1 alone (solely responsible). 2 only (did it solely out of

duty).

solemn

'solam adj.

1

serious and dig-

nified. 2 formal. 3 awe-inspiring. 4 (of a

person) serious or cheerless in manner. 5 grave, sober (solemn promise).

solemnly

adv.

solemness

n.

[Latin

solemnis]

solemnity

sa'lemniti n. (pi. -ies) being solemn. 2 rite, ceremony.

1

solemnize

sDlam.naiz v. (also -ise; 1 duly perform (esp. a marriage ceremony). 2 make solemn. : solemnization -zeiJYam n. (-zing or -sing)

solenoid

'saula.noid n. cylindrical coil of wire acting as a magnet when carrying electric current. [French from Greek solen tube] sol-fa 'sulfa: n. system of syllables

representing musical notes,

[sol var. of

soh, fa] soli pi. of SOLO.

solicit sa'lisit v. (-t-) 1 seek (esp. business) repeatedly or earnestly. 2 (also soliabsol.) accost as a prostitute. citation -'teij(a)n n. [Latin sollicitus anxious] solicitor n. lawyer qualified to advise clients and instruct barristers. [French: related to solicit]

Solicitor-General

n.

(pi.

Solicitors-

-General) law officer below the Attorney-General or the Lord 'Advocate. solicitous adj. 1 showing interest or concern. 2 (foil, by to - infin.) eager.

solicitude solicitously adv. [Latin:

anxious.

related to solicit)

solicitude

n.

being solicitous. [Latin:

related to solicitous]

solid /'solid/ -adj. (-der, -dest) 1 firm and stable in shape; not liquid or fluid. 2 of such material throughout, not hollow. 3 of the same substance throughout (solid silver). 4 sturdily built; not flimsy or slender. 5 a three-dimensional, b of solids (solid geometry). 6 a sound, reliable (solid arguments), b dependable (solid friend). 7 sound but unexciting (solid piece of work). 8 financially sound. 9 uninterrupted (four solid hours). 10 unanimous, undivided. 11 (of printing) without spaces, -n. 1 solid substance or body. 2 (in pi.) solid food. 3 Geom. three-dimensional body or mag-

nitude, -adv. solidly (jammed solid). solidly adv. solidness n. [Latin solid us]

solidarity

/.sDli'daeriti/ n. 1 unity, esp.

an industrial dispute. 2

political or in

mutual dependence. [French: related

to

solid]

solidify or

/sa'lidi.fai/ v. (-ies, -ied)

become

solid.

make

solidification

/sa'liditi/ n.

being

solid; firm-

using the electronic properties of solids (e.g. a semiconductor) to replace those of valves.

solidus

adj.

/'sDlidas/ n. (pi. solidi /-,dai/)

oblique stroke

(/).

[Latin:

related to

solid] /sa'lilakwi/ n. (pi. -quies)

1

without or regardless of talking hearers, esp. in a play. 2 this part of a

i!

I

I

play. soliloquist n. soliloquize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). [Latin solus alone, loquor speak]

solipsism |

!

ical

/'sDlip,siz(a)m/ n. philosophtheory that the self is all that can be known. solipsist n.

exists or

[Latin solus alone, ipse self]

|

solitaire

one

i

/,sDli'tea(r)/ n. 1

jewel set by

2 ring etc. with this. 3 player in which pegs

itself.

[

game

for

etc.

are

removed from a board by jumping others over them. 4 US = patience 3.

i

.

J i i

I

I j i

I j I

J

I

with drooping green and white flowers. [Solomon, king of Israel] solstice /'sDlstis/ n. either of the times

when

the sun equator. [Latin standing still']

furthest solstitium

is

from the 'the sun

soluble

/*SDljub(a)l/ adj. 1 that can be dissolved, esp. in water. 2 solvable. solubility /-'biliti/ n. [Latin solvo solutrelease]

solute /'sDlju:t/ n. dissolved substance. solution /sa'lu:JXa)n/ n. 1 solving or

means of solving a problem. 2 a conversion of a solid or gas into a liquid by mixture with a liquid, b state resulting from this. 3 dissolving or being dissolve

v.

[French: see solitary] /'sDlitari/ -adj. 1 living or being alone; not gregarious; lonely. 2 secluded. 3 single, sole. -n. (pi. -ies) 1 recluse. 2 colloq. = solitary confinement. z solitariness n. [Latin solitarius from solus alone] solitary confinement n. isolation in a separate prison cell. solitude /'sDh,tju:d/ n. 1 being solitary. 2 lonely place. [Latin solitudo: related to SOLITARY]

solitary

solvable

(-ving) answer, remove, or deal with (a problem). adj.

solvent -adj.

1 able to pay one's debts; not in debt. 2 able to dissolve or form a solution with something, -n. solvent solvency n. (in sense 2 of liquid etc.

adj.).

soliloquy

i|

/'saulau/ -n. (pi. -s) 1 (pi. -s or soli /-li/) musical piece or passage, or a dance, performed by one person. 2 thing done by one person, esp. an unaccompanied flight. 3 (in full solo whist) type of whist in which one ,player may oppose the others, -v. (-es, -ed) perform a solo. -adv. unaccompanied, alone. [It3 alian from Latin: related to sole ] soloist /'saulauist/ n. performer of a solo, esp. in music. Solomon's seal n. flowering plant

effectively

ness.

solid-state

i

solo

solved.

/-fi'keiJXa)n/ n.

solidity

-some

869

somatic /sa'maetik/ adj.

of the body, not somatically adv. [Greek of the mind. soma -mat- body] sombre /'sDmba(r)/ adj. (also US somber) dark, gloomy, dismal. sombrely adv. sombreness n. [Latin

sub ombra under shade]

sombrero

/som'brearau/

broad-brimmed hat worn

n.

(pi.

-s)

esp. in Latin

America. [Spanish: related to sombre] some /sAm/ -adj. 1 unspecified amount or number of (some water, some apples; some of them). 2 unknown or unspecified (some day; some fool broke it). 3 approximately (some ten days). 4 considerable (went to some trouble; at some 5 (usu. stressed) a at least a of (have some consideration). b such up to a point (that is some help).

cost).

modicum

c colloq. remarkable (/ call that some story), -pron. some people or things, some number or amount (/ have some already), -adv. colloq. to some extent (do it some more). [Old English]

-some

1

suffix forming adjectives meanproducing (fearsome). 2 characterized by being (gladsome). 3 apt to

ing:

1

-some

sop

870

{tiresome; meddlesome). 4 suitable for

recorded sound to give a dramatic nar-

{cuddlesome). [Old English]

rative of

-some 2

forming nouns from numerals, meaning 'a group of (foursuffix

some). [Old English]

somebody -pron. some person. -n. -ies)

(pi

important person.

someday

adv. at

some time

in the fu-

adv.

1

for some reason or

other (somehow I don't trust him). 2 in

some way; by some means.

someone

& pron.

n.

someplace

adv.

= somebody. colloq. - some-

US

somersault /'sAma,sDlt/-rc.

leap or roll

with the body turning through a circle. -v. perform this. [French sobre above, saut jump]

something n. & pron. 1 unspecified or unknown thing (something has happened). 2 unexpressed or intangible quantity, quality, or extent (something strange about it). 3 colloq. notable person or thing. something else colloq. something exceptional, something like

approximately, something of to some extent (something of an expert). [Old English: related to some, thing] sometime -adv. 1 at some time. 2 formerly, -attrib. adj. former.

sometimes

adv. occasionally.

somewhat adv. to some extent. somewhen adv. colloq. at some time. somewhere -adv. in or to some place. -pron. some unspecified place.

somnambulism ,hz(a)m/

n.

/somnaBmbju

sleepwalking.

somnam-

bulant adj. somnambulist [Latin somnus sleep, ambulo walk]

n.

somnolent

/'sDmnalant/ adj. 1 sleepy, drowsy. 2 inducing drowsiness. somnolence n. [Latin: related to somnambulism] son /sAn/ n. 1 boy or man in relation to his parent(s). 2 male descendant. 3 (foil, by of) male member of a family, etc. 4 male descendent or inheritor of a quality etc. (sons of freedom). 5 form of address, esp. to a boy. [Old English] sonar /'sauna:(r)/ n. 1 system for the underwater detection of objects by reflected sound. 2 apparatus for this, [sound navigation and ranging]

sonata

sa'na:ta/ n. composition for one or two instruments, usu. in three or four

movements.

sonatina

[Italian,

song n.

1 words set to music or meant to be sung. 2 vocal music. 3 musical composition suggestive of a song. 4 cry of for a song colloq. very some birds. cheaply. [Old English: related to sing]

= sounded]

/,sDna'ti:na/ n.

simple or short

Banata, [Italian, diminutive of sonata] •OW et lumiere /,SDnei'lu:mjea(r)/ n.

entertainment by night at a historic building etc., using lighting effects and

n. colloq. fuss,

com-

motion.

songbird

bird with a musical call, book of song lyrics and

n.

songbook

n.

music.

song cycle songster

where.

= sound

history. [French,

its

light]

song and dance

ture.

somehow

and

n. set

n. (fern,

of linked songs,

songstress)

1

singer.

2 songbird.

song thrush

n.

common thrush,

noted

for singing.

songwriter

n.

writer of songs or the

music for them.

sonic /'sonik/ adj. of or using sound or sound waves. [Latin sonus sound] sonic bang n. (also sonic boom) noise

made when an aircraft passes the speed of sound.

sonic barrier n. = sound barrier. son-in-law sons-in-law) n. (pi. daughter's husband,

sonnet /'sonit/ n. poem of 14 lines with a rhyme-scheme and, in English, usu. ten syllables per line. [French sonnet or Italian sonetto] sonny /'saiu/ n. colloq. familiar form of address to a young boy. fixed

sonorous

/'sonaras/ adj.

1

having a

']

J i

loud, full, or deep sound; resonant. 2 (of language, style, etc.) imposing. sonority /sa'nonti/ n. [Latin]

|

soon

adv. 1 in a short time (shall soon know). 2 relatively early (must you go so soon?). 3 readily or willingly (would as (or sooner go; would as soon stay). so) soon as at the moment that; not later than; as early as (came as soon as / could), sooner or later at some future soonish adv. [Old time; eventually. English] soot /sot/ n. black powdery deposit from smoke. [Old English] sooth n. archaic truth. [Old English] soothe /su:5/ v. (-thing) 1 calm (a person, feelings, etc). 2 soften or mitigate (pain etc.). [Old English]

soothsayer

/'su:e,seia(r)/

n.

seer,

I

J

I

< j


m?h::k

:

N Amenuir.

Indian war-axe ;Renape;

tomato ^ma::^

glossy red or yellow pulpy edible fruit. 2 plan: bearing this, [ultimately from Mexican tomail] 1 burial-vault 2 grave 3 tomb ru:m

sepulchral

tombola

rl

r.

-es

1

monument. [Greek tumbos] ronvbaola

lottery

n.

with

tickets drawn from a drum for immediate prizes. [French or Italian] n. boisterous girl who enjoys

tomboy

activities traditionally associated with

tomboyish ad

boys

tombstone

[from to v.;

memorial stone ever grave, usu. with an epitapho-dse Tom. Tom. Dick, and Harry rt

Dick, or Harry usu prer by .:v. :r every) person taken at random (any Tom Dick, or Harry can walk in).

tome

n. heavy book or volume. [Greek temno cut] ft. foolish person. —armo. octf.

tomfool -

silly, foolish.

fa Ian

ft.

foolish be-

haviour.

Tommy nwm

(pi -ies) coUoq. Britprivate soldier. [Tommy Atkins,

name used official

com posit: en

with reference to

its pitch, quality,

2

est

and

strength. 2 (often in pL) modulation of the voice expressing particular feeling 0.

or

mood

2

:'". coUoq. large number or amount (Ions of people). € s/unc a speed of IX m.p h b £:>; weigh a ton oe.\ec be ri gin ally the same word as tun] tonal taunidM aaj. of or relating to tone or :onai::> tonally 22: tuecli k eval Latin: related to tone] :onalit> to- i.v lit: .V..o a -ies :

:

1

rle or unable n perennial plant, esp milfoil. [Old English] yashmak ja?Jmai k n veil concealing the face except the eyes, worn by some Muslim women. [Arabic] yaw -v. (of a ship or aircraft etc.) fail to hold a straight course; go unsteadily — n. yawing of a ship etc. from its course tale,

[origin

unknown]

yawl

n. a kind of ship's boat or sailing or fishing-boat. [Low German jolle or

Dutch jot]

yawn

-v. 1 inhale, esp.

open the mouth wide and

when sleepy or bored. 2 gape, be wide open. -n. 1 act of yawning. 2 colloq. boring idea, activity, etc (Old English] yaws jo:z n.pl. (usu. treated as sing. contagious tropical skin disease with large red swellings, [origin unknown]

Yb

HW7 *ai

mi hum. ns and some


t

ki

.»om •• *.mm

her m.innuals]

hromiisniiu'oct in mg onh in male ells V .is .in arbitrary label]

ma

i

i

I

yd abbf ye /ji:/

pron. archaic pi

ye2

ad)

yds) vard imt'.isup'i

ipl

1

/Ji:

ohic tea

shaped

-

1

(ye

the

{ye

obsolete

f

i

Mto

pronunciation

year

in

COiiOQ. {

n

ii.»

earth

^

yes.

casual

[a

ks]

ttBM

I

Um

upfttd by

1

one revolution round the sun.

appmx

ai.kmiak da\ s 2 twelve mnnths, start ing at any point {/our years ago. tax voting year 4iin />/ age tunc libfor his year f) |(utu in pi'.) colloq. very long time 6 group ot students entering college etc m the sarin' a< ademn year [Old Bnfttsh] yearbook n annual publication deal the iumi mg with «'\ i«nts >r aspects preceding \ ear .iii.V




i

»t

i

i

i

it

)

yearling two years

n

animal between one and

old.

yearly -adi

done, produced, orcxrur ring once a year. 2 of or lasting a year. -adr once a year yearn j.» n v. be filled with longing. yea rn n g compassion, or tenderness n & adj. [Old English] yeast n. greyish yellow fungus obtained esp. from fermenting malt liquors and used as a fermenting agent, to raise bread, etc [Old English) yeasty adj. (-ier. -iest) 1 of. like, or tasting of yeast; frothy. 2 in a ferment 3 working like yeast. 4 (of talk etc.) light 1

i

and

superficial.

yell -n. loud sharp cry; shout, -v. cry. shout [Old English] yellow jelao -adj. 1 of the colour of buttercups, lemons, egg-yolks, etc. 2 having a yellow skin or complexion. 3 colloq. cowardly -n. 1 yellow colour or pigment 2 yellow clothes or material, -c. turn yellow yellowish adj. yel-

lowness

n.

yellowy

adj. [Old English:

related to gold]

yellow-belly

n. colloq.

coward,

yellow card

n. card shown by the referee to a football player being cau tioned.

yellow fever

>

yellow spot

n

pomt

of at utest

yellow, streak n coUOQ

jei archau -adv 1 yes 2 indeed -n utteran [ready. v»t; cu^vr VIM'. VPS vote (( )| ytterbium V chromosome ^

n. tropical virus disease with fever and jaundice, yellow flag n. flag displayed by a ship in quarantine.

trait

of coward-

ice.

yelp -n

harp -brill cry ,«s of a dor. in pain or \< itement. -v. utterayelp. (Old English! yen" n (pi same) chief monetary unit of •

Japan [Japanese from Chinese)

yen ondon. >epr;r/r fcf| a Iso v up) UScolloq. - YES. yes-adv 1 indicating that theanswer to the question is affirmative, the statement etc. made is correct the request or command will be complied with, or the person summoned or addressed is present. 2 (yes?) a indeed 9 is that so b what do you want 9 -n. 1 utterance of the word yes. 2 affirmation or assent. 3 'yes' vote. say yes grant a request, confirm a yea let it be] statement. [Old English. yes-man n colloq weakly acquiescent person. yesterday jcstadei -adv. 1 on the day before today. 2 in the recent past. -n. 1 the dav before todav 2 the recent past. [Old English] yesteryear 'jestajia(r) n. archaic or rhet. 1 last year. 2 the recent past. [Old English yester- that is last past, year] yet -adv. 1 as late as. or until, now or then (there is yet time; your best work yet). 2 (with neg. or interrog. ) so soon as. or by. now or then (it is not time yet: have you finished yet?). 3 again; in addition (more and yet more). 4 in the remaining time available (/ will do it yet). 5 (foil, by compar. ) even (a yet more difficult task). 6 nevertheless; and or but in spite of that. -conj. but at the same time; but nevertheless [Old En£ |

lish]

yeti yeti

= Abominable Snowman.

/'jeti/ n.

[Tibetan]

yew

n.

dark-leaved evergreen tree

1

bearing berry-like cones. 2

its

wood.

[Old English]

Y-fronts /'waifrAnts/ n. propr. men's or boys' briefs with a Y-shaped seam at the

YHA abbr.

Youth Hostels Association.

Yid

Jew. [backn. slang offens. formation from Yiddish] Yiddish /'jidiJV -n. language used by Jews in or from Europe, orig. a German dialect with words from Hebrew etc. -adj. of this language. [German jiidisch Jewish] yield -v. 1 produce or return as a fruit, profit, or result. 2 give up; surrender, concede. 3 a (often foil, by to) surrender; submit; defer to. b (as yielding adj.) compliant; submissive; soft and pliable. to) give right of way to (other 5 (foil, by to) be inferior or confess inferiority to (I yield to none in this matter), -n. amount yielded or produced. [Old English, = pay] yin n. (in Chinese philosophy) the passive female principle of the universe (cf.

by

(foil,

traffic).

YANG).

yippee

expressing delight or excitement, [natural exclamation] abbr. Young Men's Christian /ji'pi:/ int.

YMCA

Association.

yob

slang lout, hooligan. [back slang for boy] /'jnbau/ n. (pi. -s) slang = yob. /'jaud(a)l/ -v. (-11-; US -1-) sing

/job/

yobbish

yobbo yodel

n.

adj.

with melodious inarticulate sounds and frequent changes between falsetto and normal voice in the manner of Swiss mountain-dwellers, -n. yodelling cry. yodeller n. [German] yoga /'jaoga/ n. 1 Hindu system of meditation and asceticism designed to effect reunion with the universal spirit. 2 system of physical exercises and breathing control used in yoga. [Sanskrit, = union] yoghurt /'jog at/ n. (also yogurt) semisolid sourish food made from milk fermented by added bacteria. [Turkish] yogi /'jaugi/ n. (pi. -s) devotee of yoga. [Hindustani: related to yoga] yoicks int. cry used by fox-hunters to urge on the hounds, [origin unknown]

yoke

-n.

1

bond of union, esp. of marriage, -v. (-king) 1 put a yoke on. 2 couple or unite (a pair). 3 (foil, by to) link (one thing) to (another). 4 match or work together. [Old English]

yokel

/'jauk(a)l/

bumpkin, [perhaps

n.

rustic;

country

dial.]

yolk

front.

4

young

1068

wooden crosspiece fastened

over the necks of two oxen etc. and attached to the plough or wagon to be pulled. 2 (pi. same or -s) pair (of oxen etc.). 3 object like a yoke in form or function, e.g. a wooden shoulder-piece for carrying a pair of pails, the top section of a garment from which the rest hangs. 4 sway, dominion, or servitude. 5

/jaok/ n. yellow inner part of an egg. [Old English: related to yellow]

Yom

Kippur /jom 'kipa(r)/ n. most solemn religious fast day of the Jewish year, Day of Atonement. [Hebrew]

yon

&

adj.

adv. literary

&

dial,

yonder.

[Old English]

yonder

-adv. over there; at some

dis-

tance in that direction; in the place indicated, -adj. situated yonder. yonks n.pl. slang a long time (yonks ago), [origin

yoo-hoo

unknown]

used to attract a person's attention, [natural exclama/'ju:hu:/ int.

tion]

yore

of yore a long time ago. [Old = long ago] English, york v. Cricket bowl out with a yorker. [back-formation from yorker] n.

yorker

Cricket ball that pitches immediately under the bat. [probably with ref. to the practice of Yorkshire crickn.

eters]

Yorkist

/'jo:kist/ -n. hist, follower of the House of York, esp. in the Wars of the Roses, -adj. of the House of York.

Yorkshire pudding

/'jo:kJa/ n.

baked

batter eaten with roast beef.

Yorkshire terrier

/'jo:kJa/ n.

small

long-haired blue and tan kind of terrier. /ju:/ pron. (obj. you; poss. your, yours) 1 the person or persons addressed. 2 (as int. with a noun) in an exclamatory statement (you fools!). 3 (in general statements) one, a person, you and people (you get used to it). yours you and your family, property, etc. [Old English, originally objective case of ye ] you'd /ju:d/ contr. 1 you had. 2 you would.

you

1

you'll

young

/ju:l/

you will; you shall. -adj. (younger /'jAnga(r)/;

contr.

/jAn/ /'jAngist/)

1 not far advanced or existence; not development, in life, yet old. 2 a immature, inexperienced, b youthful. 3 of or characteristic of youth (young love). 4 representing young people (Young Farmers). 5 a distinguishing a son from his father (young George), b as a familiar or condescending form of address (listen, young lady). 6 (younger) distinguishing one person from another of the same name (the

youngest

younger

-n. (collect.) offspring, youngish adj. [Old esp. of animals. English] Pitt),

young person young person between

14

youngster

and

Law

n.

person aged

17 years,

young person,

n. child,

your /jo:(r)/ poss. pron.

of or belonging to you. 2 colloq. often derog. much talked of; well known (your typical professor). [Old English]

you're

/jo:(r)/

1

you

contr.

are.

yours /jo:z/ poss. pron.

1 the one or ones belonging to you (it is yours; yours are over there). 2 your letter (yours of the 10th). 3 introducing a formula ending a of letter (yours ever, yours truly). yours of or belonging to you (friend of

yours).

yourself /joi'self/ pron. (pi. yourselves) 1 a emphat. form of you. b re/7, form of you. 2 in your normal state of body or be mind (are quite yourself again). yourself see oneself. youth /ju:G/ n. (pi. -s /ju:6z/) 1 being young; period between childhood and adult age. 2 vigour, enthusiasm, inexperience, or other characteristic of this period. 3 young man. 4 (as pi.) young people collectively (the youth of the country). [Old English: related to

young]

youth club

n.

place for

young

people's

leisure activities.

youthful

adj.

young or

still [

you've

having the

]

cyclists,

/ju:v/ contr.

you have,

yowl-tt. loud wailing cry of or as of a cat or dog in distress, -u. utter a yowl. [imitative]

yo-yo

yo-yos) 1 toy consisting of a pair of discs with a deep groove between them in which string is attached and wound, and which can be made to fall and rise. 2 thing that repeatedly falls and rises, [origin un/'jaojau/ n. (pi.

known]

yr. abbr. 1 year(s). 2 younger. 3 your. yrs. abbr. 1 years. 2 yours. YTS abbr. Youth Training Scheme.

ytterbium ment in

/i't3:biam/ n. metallic ele-

of the lanthanide series. [Ytterby

Sweden]

yttrium

/'itnam/ n. metallic element resembling the lanthanides. [related to

ytterbium]

yuan

/ju:'a:n/ n. (pi.

same) chief mon-

etary unit of China. [Chinese] yucca /'jAka/ n. subtropical whiteflowered plant with swordlike leaves, often grown as a house-plant. [Carib] yuck /jAk/ int. (also yuk) slang expression of strong distaste, [imitative]

yucky

adj.

(also

yukky)

(-ier,

-iest)

slang 1 messy, repellent. 2 sickly, sentimental.

Yugoslav

/'ju:ga,sla:v/ (also

Jugoslav)

native or national of Yugoslavia. 2 person of Yugoslav descent, —adj. of Yugoslavian /-'sla:vian/ Yugoslavia. south: related adj. & n. [Serbo-Croat

—n.

to

1

Slav]

yuk var. of yuck. yukky var. of yucky. yule

n. (in full

Christmas

youthfully characteristics of youth. adv. youthfulness n. youth hostel n. any of a chain of cheap lodgings holiday-makers, esp. for walkers and

YWCA

1069

yule-tide) archaic the

festival. [Old English]

yule-log n. 1 large log traditionally burnt on Christmas Eve. 2 log-shaped chocolate cake eaten at Christmas,

yummy

/'jAmi/ adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq.

[from yum-yum] expressing pleasure from eating or the prospect of eating. [natural exclamation]

tasty, delicious,

yum-yum yup var. yuppie

int.

of yep. /'jApi/ n. (also

yuppy)

(pi. -ies)

(often attrib.) colloq., usu. derog.

young

ambitious professional person working in a city, [from voung wrban professional]

YWCA abbr. Young Women's Christian Association.

z Z

/zed/ n. (also z) (p/. Zs or Z's) 1 twentysixth letter of the alphabet. 2 (usu. z) Algebra third unknown quantity. zabaglione /.zaeba'ljaoni/ n. Italian dessert of whipped and heated egg-yolks, sugar, and wine. [Italian] zany /'zemi/ adj. (-ier, -iest) comically idiotic; crazily ridiculous. [French or Italian]

zap slang

-v. (-pp-) 1 a kill or destroy; attack, b hit hard (zapped the ball over the net). 2 move quickly. 3 overwhelm

emotionally, -int. expressing the sound or impact of a bullet, ray gun, etc., or any sudden event, [imitative]

zappy

adj.

(-ier,

-iest) colloq.

lively,

var. of Zoroastrian.

zeal

n. earnestness or fervour; hearty persistent endeavour. [Greek zelos] zealot /'zelat/ n. extreme partisan; fan-

zealotry

n.

zealous /'zelas/ adj.

full of zeal;

enthusi-

zealously adv.

astic.

zebra

/'zebra,

n.

'zi:-/

(pi.

same or

-s)

black-and-white striped African animal of the family including the ass and horse. [Italian or Portuguese from Congolese]

zebra

crossing

n.

striped

street-

crossing where pedestrians have precedence.

zebu

/'zi:bu:/ n. (pi.

same or

-s)

humped

ox of Asia and Africa. [French] zed n. letter Z. [Greek zeta]

zee

/zi:/ n.

US

letter Z. [var. of zed]

Zeitgeist /'tsaitgaist/ n. the spirit of the times. [German] Zen n. form of Buddhism emphasizing meditation and intuition. [Japanese, = meditation] n. an interpretation of the Avesta.

Zend

Zoroastrian

n.

sacred

writings of the Avesta (or text) and Zend (or

mometer

etc.

(pi. -s) 1

figure

0;

nought;

on the scale of a therfrom which a positive or

negative quantity is reckoned. 3 (attrib.) no, not any (zero growth). 4 (in full zero-hour) a hour at which a planned, esp. military, operation is timed to begin, b crucial moment. 5 lowest or earliest point (down to zero; the year zero). zero in on (-oes, -oed) 1 take aim at. 2 focus one's attention on. [Arabic: related to cipher] zero option n. disarmament proposal for the total removal of certain types of weapons on both sides.

zero-rated

commentary).

on which no

adj.

VAT

is

piquancy; stimulating flavour or quality. 2 a keen enjoyment or interest, b (often foil, by for) relish, c gusto. 3 scraping of orange or lemon peel as flavouring. zestful adj. zestfully adv. [French] zeta /'zirta/ n. sixth letter of the Greek alphabet (Z, CJ. [Greek] zeugma /'zju:gma/ n. figure of speech using a verb or adjective with two nouns, to one of which it is strictly applicable while the word appropriate to the other is not used (e.g. with weeping eyes and [sc. grieving] hearts) (cf. syllepsis). [Greek, = a yoking, from zugon yoke] ziggurat /'ziga.raet/ n. rectangular stepped tower in ancient Mesopotamia, surmounted by a temple. [Assyrian] zigzag /'zigzaeg/ -adj. with abrupt alternate right and left turns (zigzag line), -n. zigzag line; thing having the form of a zigzag or having sharp turns. -adv. with a zigzag course, -v. (-gg-) move in a zigzag course. [French from n. 1

1

- west wind]

Zeppelin /'zepalm/ German airship of

zilch

n. esp.

n. large dirigible the early 20th c. name of an

[Count F. von Zeppelin, airman]

US

slang nothing, [origin

uncertain]

zillion

point of the heavens directly above an observer. 2 highest point (of power or prosperity etc.). [Latin from Arabic] zephyr /'zefa(r)/ n. literary mild gentle /'zeniG/ n.

breeze. JGreek,

zest

German]

[Persian]

Zend-Avesta zenith

2 point

nil.

charged.

energetic.

Zarathustrian

atic.

zero /'ziarau/ n.

/'ziljan/ n. colloq. indefinite

number, [probably

Zimmer frame

large

after million]

n.

propr. a kind of name of the

walking-frame. [Zimmer,

maker] zinc n. greyish-white metallic element used as a component of brass and in galvanizing sheet iron. [German Zink] zing colloq. -n. vigour, energy, -v. move swiftly, esp. with a high-pitched ringing sound, [imitative]

zinnia

Zion

/'zaian/ n.

holy

1

2 a

hill.

ancient Jerusalem; its the Jewish people or Church. 3 the

religion, b the Christian

Kingdom

Zionism

of Heaven.

[Hebrew

movement

slyon]

the reestablishment and development of a now Israel. Jewish nation in what is Zionist n. & adj. zip -n. 1 light fast sound. 2 energy, vigour. 3 a (in full zip-fastener) fastening device of two flexible strips with interlocking projections, closed or opened by sliding a clip along them, b (attrib.) having a zip-fastener (zip bag), -v. (-pp-) 1 (often foil, by up) fasten with a zip-fastener. 2 move with zip or at high n.

for

speed, [imitative]

Zip code n. US postcode, [zone improvement plan] zipper n. esp. US = zip 3a. zippy adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. lively,

zirconium lic

/za'kauniam/

n.

grey metal-

element. n.

esp.

US slang

pimple,

[origin

unknown] zither /'zioa(r)/

n. stringed instrument soundbox, placed horizontand played with the fingers and a

with a ally

distribute by zones. 3 assign as or to a particular area, zonal adj. [Greek i

zone girdle]

zonked /zonkt/ adj.

slang (often foil, by out) exhausted; intoxicated, [zonk hit] zoo n. zoological garden, [abbreviation]

zoological

/.zaua'lDdjikfeH, ,zu:a-/ adj.

of zoology.

Usage

See note at zoology.

zoological garden n. (also zoological gardens n.pl.) public garden or park with a collection of animals for exhibition

and study.

zoology

/z9o'Dlad3i, ,zu:'d1-/ n. the study

zoologist

of animals.

n.

[Greek zoion

animal]

Usage The second pronunciation given for zoology, zoological, and zoologist, with the first syllable pronounced as in zoo, although extremely common, is considered incorrect by some people.

zoom

speedy.

zircon /'Z3:kan/ n. zirconium silicate of which some translucent varieties are cut into gems. [German Zirkon]

zit

zygote

1071

zinnia /'zmia/ n. garden plant with showy flowers. [Zinn, name of a physician and botanist]

flat

plectrum. [Latin: related to guitar]

zloty /'zlDti/ n. (pi. same or -s) chief monetary unit of Poland. [Polish]

Zn symb. zodiac

close-up sharply.

(of).

— n.

1

4 (of prices etc.) rise aeroplane's steep climb. 2

zooming camera

shot, [imitative]

zoom lens n.

lens allowing a camera to zoom by varying the focal length. zoophyte /'zaua.fait/ n. plantlike animal, esp. a coral, sea anemone, or sponge. [Greek zoion animal, phuton plant]

zinc. /'zaudi.aek/

-v. 1 move quickly, esp. with a buzzing sound. 2 cause an aeroplane to mount at high speed and a steep angle. 3 (often foil, by in or in on) (of a camera) change rapidly from a long shot to a

n.

1

belt

of the

heavens including all apparent positions of the sun, moon, and planets as known to ancient astronomers, and divided into twelve equal parts (signs of the zodiac). 2 diagram of these signs. zodiacal /za'daiak(a)l/ adj. [Greek zoion animal]

zombie

/'zombi/ n. 1 colloq. person who acts mechanically or lifelessly. 2 corpse said to have been revived by witchcraft.

[West African] -n. 1 area

zone

having particular features, properties, purpose, or use (danger zone; smokeless zone). 2 welldefined region of more or less beltlike form. 3 area between two concentric circles. 4 encircling band of colour etc. 5 archaic belt, girdle, -v. (-ning) 1 encircle as or with a zone. 2 arrange or

Zoroastrian

/.zDrau'aestrian/

Zarathustrian

(also

/.zaera'Gustnan/) -adj.

of Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) or the dualistic religious system taught by him. -n. follower of Zoroaster. Zoroastrianism n. [Zoroaster, Persian founder of the religion]

Zr symb. zirconium. zucchini /zu:'ki:m/ esp. US & Austral, pi.

of zucchino,

n.

(pi.

same or

-s)

courgette. [Italian, diminutive of zucca

gourd]

Zulu /'zu:lu:/ -n.

(pi. -s) 1

member of a S.

African Bantu people. 2 their language. -adj. of this people or language, [native

name]

zygote

/'zaigaut/ n. Biol, cell

formed by

the union of two gametes. [Greek zugotos yoked: related to zeugma]

'

APPENDIX Punctuation Marks Comma (,)

1.

This

is

used:

To separate main clauses when the second is not closely identified with the first, e.g. Cars will turn here, and coaches will go straight on. 1.2 To avoid momentary misunderstanding, e.g. In the valley below, 1.1

the villages looked very

small

In a sentence which would mean something different without the comma, e.g. He did not go to church, because he was playing golf. 1.3

Between adjectives qualifying a noun, except when the last is more closely related to the noun, e.g. a cautious, eloquent man but a distinguished foreign author. 1.5 To separate items in a list of more than two items, e.g. potatoes, 1.4

adjective

and carrots.

peas,

Come

Dear

Sir,

Before or after a salutation or vocative, Thank you for your letter.

1.7

To mark the beginning and end of a parenthetical word or phrase,

1.6

e.g. It

here, boy,

appears, however, that they were wrong.

Before a quotation,

1.8

e.g.

e.g.

/ boldly cried out, 'Woe to this city!

1

In numbers of four or more figures, to separate each group of three consecutive figures, starting from the right, e.g. 10,135,793. 1.9

2.

Semicolon

(;)

This separates two or more clauses which are of more or less equal importance and are linked as a pair or series, e.g. To err is human; to forgive, divine.

3.

Colon

This

is

(:)

used:

To separate main clauses when there

is a step forward from the the second, as from introduction to main theme, from cause to effect, or from premiss to conclusion, e.g. Country life is the natural life: it is there that you will find real friendship.

3.1

first to

To introduce a list of items (a dash should not be added), and after expressions such as namely, for example, to resume, to sum up, the

3.2

following. 3.3

none

Before a quotation, e.g. Then he wrote these words: 7 have to their disadvantage.

named

APPENDIX Period, Full Point, Full Stop

4.

This

is

4.1

At the end of

1073

(.)

used: all

sentences which are not questions or exclama-

tions.

After many abbreviations and initials. If such a. point closes a sentence, it also serves as the sentence's full point, e.g, cats etc. but

4.2

.

(.

.

.

cats

Question

5.

This

is

.

.

etc.).

Mark

(?)

used:

After any sentence which asks a question, but not after an indirect e.g. What is it? but / asked what it was.

5. 1

question,

Before a word born 7100 bc.

5.2

etc.

Exclamation Mark

6.

whose accuracy

is

doubted,

e.g.

Julius Caesar,

(!)

used after an exclamatory word, phrase, or sentence expressing absurdity, command, disgust, emotion, enthusiasm, pain, sorrow, a wish, or wonder.

This

7.

is

Apostrophe

(')

This

is

7.1

7.2

To show the possessive case, e.g. John's To show an omission, e.g. John's angry.

7.3

At the end of a quotation: see following section.

8.

used:

book.

Quotation Marks

A quotation is normally preceded by a turned comma (') and followed by an apostrophe. Double marks are used for a quotation within a quotation. The apostrophe should come after any punctuation mark which is part of the quotation, but before any mark which is not, e.g. 'He asked "Where are we?"' but 'Did he say "Here we are"?' Quotation marks are only used when the exact words of the original are quoted. 8.1

Quotation marks are used when citing titles of articles, series, chapters, essays, poems, and songs, but not for titles of books of the 8.2

Bible.

They may be used

8.3

9.

Parentheses

(

to enclose slang

and technical terms.

)

These enclose: 9. 1

e.g.

Interpolations and remarks

He

is

(as he

always was) a

made by the writer of the text himself,

rebel.

)

APPENDIX

1074 9.2

An

9.3

In a report of a speech, interruptions by the audience.

9.4

Reference letters or figures,

10.

authority, definition, explanation, reference, or translation.

Square Brackets

[

e.g. (1), (a).

]

These enclose material added by someone other than the author, often by way of explanation, e.g. He [Bloggs] fell down. 11.

Dash (—

This

is

used:

11.1

Instead of the parentheses in

11.2

Instead of the colon in 3.1 above.

11.3

To indicate pauses

above.

in hesitant speech, or the ending

tion of a sentence interrupted

and resump-

by another speaker.

To replace an omitted word.

11.4

12.

9.1

Hyphen (-)

This

is

12.1

used:

In

compounds used attributively,

The man 12.2

In

is

e.g.

He is a well-known man but

well known.

compounds formed from words which have a

syntactical

relationship, e.g. weight-carrying, punch-drunk. 12.3

12 A

To join a prefix to a proper name, e.g. anti-Darwinian. To prevent misconceptions by linking words, e.g. twenty-odd

people. 12.5

word, 12.6

To prevent misconceptions by separating a prefix from the main e.g. One player resigned, but later he re-signed. To separate letters representing similar sounds, e.g. sword-dance,

radio-isotope. 12.7

a

To represent a common second element in all but the last word of

list, e.g.

12.8

two-, three-,

At the end of a

or fourfold.

line in printing, to indicate that the last

word has

been divided. 13. Ellipsis,

Marks of Omission

(.

.

.)

These are used to show an omission. If the omission follows a complete sentence, the three points are preceded by the full point of the sentence, but if it follows an incomplete sentence a fourth point should not be added.

THE OXFORD DICTIONARY OF CURRENT ENGLISH For the new edition of this best-selling dictionary, the text has been completely revised and expanded. It is the most authoritative, comprehensive, and up-to-date dictionary of its size available, specially designed to be quickly and easily used in everyday life.

Spelling 65,000 entries— 10,000 new to

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Meaning 75,000

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in

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Correct English Hundreds of new usage notes with guidance on correct English

Word

Origins New, easy-to-understand presentation

New Words Fully

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repetitive strain injury, doughnutting,

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cyberpunk, and chatline

ISBN 0-19-283127-5 The Book Shop Internet Archive

The Oxford Dictionary ISBN: 0192831275

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